German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons.

"We support the fact that our American, British and French allies have taken responsibility in this way as permanent members of the UN&nbspSecurity Council," Merkel said.

Merkel this week had said Germany would not take part in any military action against Syria.

Merkel this week had said Germany would not take part in any military action against Syria

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States, France and Britain as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons. "We support the fact that our American, British and French allies have taken responsibility in this way as permanent members of the UN&nbspSecurity Council," Merkel said. Merkel this week had said Germany would not take part in any military action against Syria.

Germany's Merkel backs air strikes on Syria as 'necessary and appropriate'

Thousands of passengers at four German airports, including the biggest hub Frankfurt, were stranded on Tuesday as ground staff and other public sector workers staged walkouts across the country to increase the pressure in a pay dispute.

Lufthansa said on Monday it was cancelling more than 800 of its planned 1,600 flights on Tuesday and Frankfurt airport operator Fraport has warned of disruption.

As well as Frankfurt, airports in Munich, Cologne and Bremen were hit. The industrial action also affected nurseries, rubbish collection services and swimming pools in several German states.

"We want to send a clear signal to employers with these massive strikes," Frank Bsirske, head of Verdi, Germany's biggest labour union for service sector employees, said. "We expect an offer to be made for the third round of talks that is worthy of discussion so we can reach a good solution."

He said the union would escalate the dispute if employers did not present an offer next week. The third round of talks start on April 15.

Verdi has called for a 6 percent pay rise for its 2.3 million public sector employees at the federal and local level. Germany's federal government and municipalities have rejected that, saying such an increase would force them to outsource jobs.

The strikes, which started at 5 a.m. (0300 GMT) were due to run until 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) on Tuesday.

Europe's biggest economy is in robust shape, with record tax revenues and a budget surplus. Rising employment, inflation-busting pay hikes and low borrowing costs are fuelling a consumer-led upswing.

In the industrial sector, 3.9 million workers agreed on a pay and flexible working hours deal in February that amounted to a roughly 4 percent rise per year for 2018 and 2019. Inflation edged up to 1.5 percent in March.

The European Central Bank is keeping a close eye on the German wage negotiations for any sign that wage growth is picking up, potentially lifting inflation and allowing the ECB to start winding down its massive stimulus programme.

Neighbouring France has also faced industrial action in the last few weeks in protests against President Emmanuel Macron's planned reforms.

The strikes, which started at 5 a.m. (0300 GMT) were due to run until 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) on Tuesday

Thousands of passengers at four German airports, including the biggest hub Frankfurt, were stranded on Tuesday as ground staff and other public sector workers staged walkouts across the country to increase the pressure in a pay dispute. Lufthansa said on Monday it was cancelling more than 800 of its planned 1,600 flights on Tuesday and Frankfurt airport operator Fraport has warned of disruption. As well as Frankfurt, airports in Munich, Cologne and Bremen were hit. The industrial action also affected nurseries, rubbish collection services and swimming pools in several German states. "We want to send a clear signal to employers with these massive strikes," Frank Bsirske, head of Verdi, Germany's biggest labour union for service sector employees, said. "We expect an offer to be made for the third round of talks that is worthy of discussion so we can reach a good solution." He said the union would escalate the dispute if employers did not present an offer next week. The third round of talks start on April 15. Verdi has called for a 6 percent pay rise for its 2.3 million public sector employees at the federal and local level. Germany's federal government and municipalities have rejected that, saying such an increase would force them to outsource jobs. The strikes, which started at 5 a.m. (0300 GMT) were due to run until 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) on Tuesday. Europe's biggest economy is in robust shape, with record tax revenues and a budget surplus. Rising employment, inflation-busting pay hikes and low borrowing costs are fuelling a consumer-led upswing. In the industrial sector, 3.9 million workers agreed on a pay and flexible working hours deal in February that amounted to a roughly 4 percent rise per year for 2018 and 2019. Inflation edged up to 1.5 percent in March. The European Central Bank is keeping a close eye on the German wage negotiations for any sign that wage growth is picking up, potentially lifting inflation and allowing the ECB to start winding down its massive stimulus programme. Neighbouring France has also faced industrial action in the last few weeks in protests against President Emmanuel Macron's planned reforms.

Hundreds of flights cancelled in Germany as airports hit by public sector strikes

World's first long-distance electric bus line was inaugurated in Paris today. Chinese e-buses would operate on world's first electric routes in France.

A Germany-based bus company, FlexiBus, has invested in Chinese e-buses which will now be operated on trial on long-distance electric-routes between Paris and Amiens.&nbsp;

German low-cost company FlixBus presented its green bus at the foot of the Eiffel tower. The train service will begin on April 12, the journey between the two stations will take roughly two hours.

The bus has the capacity of 49 passengers and comes equipped with facilities like zero emissions, less noise, among others. It is also believed to drive more smoothly than its fuel-powered counterpart.

Flixbus France general director Yves Lefranc-Morin said the vehicle may be 30 percent more expensive to buy but the maintenance and running costs are much lower than those of a diesel bus.

German FlexiBus is touted as Europe's largest long-distance bus network. According to reports, the second Flix-e-Bus is expected to operate in Germany this summer between Hessen and Baden-Wurttemberg. The e-buses will be supplied by Chinese bus-maker, BYD. The German bus firm hopes to open more 100% electric lines in the future in France and Europe.

The new e-bus comes to France in the wake a series of strikes by the country's railway workers over the government's plan to overhaul the state-run railway company SNCF.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

The bus has the capacity of 49 passengers and comes equipped with facilities like zero emissions, less noise, among others

World's first long-distance electric bus line was inaugurated in Paris today. Chinese e-buses would operate on world's first electric routes in France. A Germany-based bus company, FlexiBus, has invested in Chinese e-buses which will now be operated on trial on long-distance electric-routes between Paris and Amiens. German low-cost company FlixBus presented its green bus at the foot of the Eiffel tower. The train service will begin on April 12, the journey between the two stations will take roughly two hours. The bus has the capacity of 49 passengers and comes equipped with facilities like zero emissions, less noise, among others. It is also believed to drive more smoothly than its fuel-powered counterpart. Flixbus France general director Yves Lefranc-Morin said the vehicle may be 30 percent more expensive to buy but the maintenance and running costs are much lower than those of a diesel bus. German FlexiBus is touted as Europe's largest long-distance bus network. According to reports, the second Flix-e-Bus is expected to operate in Germany this summer between Hessen and Baden-Wurttemberg. The e-buses will be supplied by Chinese bus-maker, BYD. The German bus firm hopes to open more 100% electric lines in the future in France and Europe. The new e-bus comes to France in the wake a series of strikes by the country's railway workers over the government's plan to overhaul the state-run railway company SNCF. (With inputs from Reuters)

Watch: France gets world's first long-range electric bus line

Spain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/davis-cup-leander-paes-creates-history-as-india-win-doubles-match-128913">outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals </a>of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals.

Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to&nbsp;level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter.

Nadal's Spain will now meet France in the semi-finals after the defending champions reached the last four by beating Italy 3-1.

European nation Croatia also made it to the semis beating Kazakhstan with Marin Cilic leading the way with &nbsp;6-1 6-1 6-1 win over Mikhail Kukushkin to seal the tie 3-1.

Spain outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals. Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter.

Spain outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals. Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter. Nadal's Spain will now meet France in the semi-finals after the defending champions reached the last four by beating Italy 3-1. European nation Croatia also made it to the semis beating Kazakhstan with Marin Cilic leading the way with 6-1 6-1 6-1 win over Mikhail Kukushkin to seal the tie 3-1.

Davis Cup: Ferrer edges out Kohlschreiber as Spain beat Germany

German authorities have for now ruled out a connection to Islamist terrorism after a man rammed customers on a restaurant terrace, killing two people, but much remains unclear about the incident.

The driver of the vehicle also shot and killed himself.

Here is what we know so far:

What happened?

A small van spend into a crowd of customers and staff at outdoor tables belonging to a restaurant in the historic centre of Muenster in north-west Germany at 15:27 (1337 GMT) on Saturday, killing two.

German media reported that those killed were waiters at the "Grosser Kiepenkerl" restaurant not far from the city's cathedral.

Some 20 people were wounded, around ten of them "seriously", interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia state Herbert Reul said.

The driver stopped the van immediately after the impact, shooting himself inside the vehicle according to police.

Who was the driver?

The driver was "a German, and not, as has been claimed everywhere, a refugee or something like that," Reul said.

Matching reports from several German media outlets said the attacker was a man aged around 48 with psychological problems.

Television news reported that he had recently attempted suicide and made known that he planned a more spectacular attempt.&nbsp;

Several reports pointed to a past of petty crime and drug dealing.

The man was employed as an industrial product designer and struggled with problems at work.

Broadcaster ZDF said he had known connections with far-right organisations, while new website Spiegel Online reported an assault rifle was found at his Muenster apartment close to the scene of the crime.

Investigators found a "suspicious object" in the van, which Die Welt newspaper reported was a pistol connected to a wire leading underneath the van's floor carpeting.

Suspecting a booby trap, the police called in bomb disposal experts.

What motivated the attacker?

There is so far no clear indication of the attacker's motive.

But authorities said they had ruled out an Islamist background to the act.

Germany has been on especially high alert for such terrorist attacks since a Tunisian asylum seeker rammed a truck into crowds at a Berlin Christmas market in December 2016.

"There is no indication at the moment that there is any Islamist connection," state interior minister Reul said.

Police will attempt to determine whether the driver wanted to commit a "murder-suicide", taking other people with him in the process of killing himself.

Did the perpetrator act alone?

Police initially said witnesses had spotted potential accomplices exiting the van immediately after the attack.

But there is so far no evidence to back up this theory.

Police locked down a wide area around the scene of the attack immediately afterwards, but gradually opened some roads up to traffic again as evening drew in.

German authorities have for now ruled out a connection to Islamist terrorism after a man rammed customers on a restaurant terrace, killing two people, but much remains unclear about the incident

German authorities have for now ruled out a connection to Islamist terrorism after a man rammed customers on a restaurant terrace, killing two people, but much remains unclear about the incident. The driver of the vehicle also shot and killed himself. Here is what we know so far: What happened? A small van spend into a crowd of customers and staff at outdoor tables belonging to a restaurant in the historic centre of Muenster in north-west Germany at 15:27 (1337 GMT) on Saturday, killing two. German media reported that those killed were waiters at the "Grosser Kiepenkerl" restaurant not far from the city's cathedral. Some 20 people were wounded, around ten of them "seriously", interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia state Herbert Reul said. The driver stopped the van immediately after the impact, shooting himself inside the vehicle according to police. Who was the driver? The driver was "a German, and not, as has been claimed everywhere, a refugee or something like that," Reul said. Matching reports from several German media outlets said the attacker was a man aged around 48 with psychological problems. Television news reported that he had recently attempted suicide and made known that he planned a more spectacular attempt. Several reports pointed to a past of petty crime and drug dealing. The man was employed as an industrial product designer and struggled with problems at work. Broadcaster ZDF said he had known connections with far-right organisations, while new website Spiegel Online reported an assault rifle was found at his Muenster apartment close to the scene of the crime. Investigators found a "suspicious object" in the van, which Die Welt newspaper reported was a pistol connected to a wire leading underneath the van's floor carpeting. Suspecting a booby trap, the police called in bomb disposal experts. What motivated the attacker? There is so far no clear indication of the attacker's motive. But authorities said they had ruled out an Islamist background to the act. Germany has been on especially high alert for such terrorist attacks since a Tunisian asylum seeker rammed a truck into crowds at a Berlin Christmas market in December 2016. "There is no indication at the moment that there is any Islamist connection," state interior minister Reul said. Police will attempt to determine whether the driver wanted to commit a "murder-suicide", taking other people with him in the process of killing himself. Did the perpetrator act alone? Police initially said witnesses had spotted potential accomplices exiting the van immediately after the attack. But there is so far no evidence to back up this theory. Police locked down a wide area around the scene of the attack immediately afterwards, but gradually opened some roads up to traffic again as evening drew in.

Germany car attack: What we know

German investigators were puzzled this morning by the motives of a man who drove a van into a crowd at an open-air restaurant the day before, killing two people before shooting himself.

"So far there are no clues to a possible motive for the act," said Martin Botzenhardt, senior prosecutor in the northwestern city of Muenster where the attack happened, in a statement issued in the early hours.

"We are pressing hard on our investigation into all possible avenues."

Late yesterday, authorities were near-certain that there was no Islamist connection to the violence in the historic centre of Muenster as had initially been feared.

The two people killed were a 51-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man, both from northern Germany.

As well as the dead, police said 20 were injured -- six of them seriously -- amid the broken and upturned tables and chairs seen strewn across the pavement in images of the scene.

Police had to wait for a bomb disposal team to clear the vehicle used in the attack after noticing suspect wires inside.

In the end, they found only the weapon used by the 48-year-old driver to kill himself, a blank-firing pistol and some powerful fireworks.

A search of the mans Muenster apartment late Saturday turned up more fireworks and a deactivated AK47 assault rifle.

Police have appealed to the public for information about the attack, setting up a website where people can upload photos or videos.

"There was a bang and then screaming. The police arrived and got everyone out of here," an employee of the restaurant hit by the terrace told NTV.

"There were a lot of people screaming. Im angry -- its cowardly to do something like this."

Armed police cordoned off a wide area around the scene of the attack, urging residents to avoid the city centre to allow investigators to get to work amid initial fears the country had suffered another extremist assault.

Germany has been on especially high alert for jihadist attacks after several claimed by the Islamic State group.

But in the Saturday afternoon attack, inflicted as locals and tourists enjoyed a sunny spring day, there was "no indication at the moment that there is any Islamist connection," said North Rhine-Westphalia state interior minister Herbert Reul.

Media reports said the driver, identified only as Jens R., had a history of mental health problems.

Public broadcaster ZDF said the man had recently attempted suicide while rolling news channel NTV said he had spoken of a desire to bring as much attention as possible to his death.

ZDF also reported that he had possible links with far-right movements.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was "deeply shaken" by the incident and "everything possible will be done to determine what was behind this act and to help the victims".

The presidents of Russia and France, Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron, each sent their condolences.

The attack is the latest in a string across Europe in which vehicles have been used to attack crowds of people in public places.

In a Berlin attack in December 2016, Tunisian asylum-seeker Anis Amri hijacked a truck and murdered its Polish driver before killing another 11 people and wounding dozens more by ploughing the heavy vehicle through a Christmas market in central Berlin.

He was shot dead by Italian police in Milan four days later while on the run.

In France, the Islamic State group claimed a 2016 truck attack in Nice on its July 14 national holiday that killed 86.

And in Spain, the jihadists also claimed a rampage along Barcelonas Las Ramblas boulevard in August 2017 that killed 14 and left more than 100 injured.&nbsp

&nbsp

Late yesterday, authorities were near-certain that there was no Islamist connection to the violence in the historic centre of Muenster as had initially been feared

German investigators were puzzled this morning by the motives of a man who drove a van into a crowd at an open-air restaurant the day before, killing two people before shooting himself. "So far there are no clues to a possible motive for the act," said Martin Botzenhardt, senior prosecutor in the northwestern city of Muenster where the attack happened, in a statement issued in the early hours. "We are pressing hard on our investigation into all possible avenues." Late yesterday, authorities were near-certain that there was no Islamist connection to the violence in the historic centre of Muenster as had initially been feared. The two people killed were a 51-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man, both from northern Germany. As well as the dead, police said 20 were injured -- six of them seriously -- amid the broken and upturned tables and chairs seen strewn across the pavement in images of the scene. Police had to wait for a bomb disposal team to clear the vehicle used in the attack after noticing suspect wires inside. In the end, they found only the weapon used by the 48-year-old driver to kill himself, a blank-firing pistol and some powerful fireworks. A search of the mans Muenster apartment late Saturday turned up more fireworks and a deactivated AK47 assault rifle. Police have appealed to the public for information about the attack, setting up a website where people can upload photos or videos. "There was a bang and then screaming. The police arrived and got everyone out of here," an employee of the restaurant hit by the terrace told NTV. "There were a lot of people screaming. Im angry -- its cowardly to do something like this." Armed police cordoned off a wide area around the scene of the attack, urging residents to avoid the city centre to allow investigators to get to work amid initial fears the country had suffered another extremist assault. Germany has been on especially high alert for jihadist attacks after several claimed by the Islamic State group. But in the Saturday afternoon attack, inflicted as locals and tourists enjoyed a sunny spring day, there was "no indication at the moment that there is any Islamist connection," said North Rhine-Westphalia state interior minister Herbert Reul. Media reports said the driver, identified only as Jens R., had a history of mental health problems. Public broadcaster ZDF said the man had recently attempted suicide while rolling news channel NTV said he had spoken of a desire to bring as much attention as possible to his death. ZDF also reported that he had possible links with far-right movements. Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was "deeply shaken" by the incident and "everything possible will be done to determine what was behind this act and to help the victims". The presidents of Russia and France, Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron, each sent their condolences. The attack is the latest in a string across Europe in which vehicles have been used to attack crowds of people in public places. In a Berlin attack in December 2016, Tunisian asylum-seeker Anis Amri hijacked a truck and murdered its Polish driver before killing another 11 people and wounding dozens more by ploughing the heavy vehicle through a Christmas market in central Berlin. He was shot dead by Italian police in Milan four days later while on the run. In France, the Islamic State group claimed a 2016 truck attack in Nice on its July 14 national holiday that killed 86. And in Spain, the jihadists also claimed a rampage along Barcelonas Las Ramblas boulevard in August 2017 that killed 14 and left more than 100 injured.

Police stumped by motives of Germany van attacker

Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont said on Saturday he would remain in Berlin while a German court considers whether to extradite him to Spain on a charge of misuse of public funds but he hoped to return to live in Belgium eventually.

A German court on Thursday rejected an extradition request for Puigdemont on the more serious charge of rebellion for his role in the campaign for the region`s independence that could have resulted in a decades-long jail sentence in Spain.

"My wish is to return to Belgium. But only after the end of the proceedings here in Germany, not before," he told reporters in Berlin.

"My plan is to remain of course in Berlin. It is my residence now until the end of this process," he said.&nbsp

Puigdemont, who fled Spain five months ago for Belgium after his administration`s declaration of independence from Spain led to Madrid taking direct control of the regional government, was arrested last month on a Spanish-issued warrant as he entered Germany.

The Spanish government has said it would respect the German court`s decision. But Spain's Supreme Court said on Friday it was considering consulting the European Court of Justice on the ruling, without giving more details.

Spain`s Supreme Court reactivated international arrest warrants last month for Puigdemont and four other Catalan politicians who went into self-imposed exile last year.

Puigdemont, who fled Spain five months ago for Belgium after his administration`s declaration of independence from Spain led to Madrid taking direct control of the regional government, was arrested last month on a Spanish-issued warrant as he entered Germany

Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont said on Saturday he would remain in Berlin while a German court considers whether to extradite him to Spain on a charge of misuse of public funds but he hoped to return to live in Belgium eventually. A German court on Thursday rejected an extradition request for Puigdemont on the more serious charge of rebellion for his role in the campaign for the region`s independence that could have resulted in a decades-long jail sentence in Spain. "My wish is to return to Belgium. But only after the end of the proceedings here in Germany, not before," he told reporters in Berlin. "My plan is to remain of course in Berlin. It is my residence now until the end of this process," he said. Puigdemont, who fled Spain five months ago for Belgium after his administration`s declaration of independence from Spain led to Madrid taking direct control of the regional government, was arrested last month on a Spanish-issued warrant as he entered Germany. The Spanish government has said it would respect the German court`s decision. But Spain's Supreme Court said on Friday it was considering consulting the European Court of Justice on the ruling, without giving more details. Spain`s Supreme Court reactivated international arrest warrants last month for Puigdemont and four other Catalan politicians who went into self-imposed exile last year.

Catalan ex-leader Puigdemont hopes to return to Belgium

A vehicle has rammed into a crowd of people in the western German city of Münster. Several people have been killed in the incident, according to police.

Authorities have not provided any specific numbers, merely confirming the fatalities. Around 30 people are estimated to be injured.

The incident took place in the centre of Münster. Police have cordoned off the area and asked people to avoid it.&nbsp;

The nature of the incident remains “unclear,” police said in a Twitter post urging everyone to “avoid speculation.”

The incident might have been a terrorist attack, the German Rheinische Post said, citing police sources. However, no official confirmation has been issued.

The perpetrator has&nbsp;shot himself, police said.

Fire brigades, rescue and police teams have rushed to the scene.

Images of the attack have appeared on Twitter.

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Das sieht ja schrecklich aus ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/M%C3%BCnster?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Münster</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kiepenkerl?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kiepenkerl</a> <a href="https://t.co/f1A5f40ycA">pic.twitter.com/f1A5f40ycA</a>
— Steffen (@marketingleben) <a href="https://twitter.com/marketingleben/status/982633854111506432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The incident might have been a terrorist attack, the German Rheinische Post said, citing police sources. However, no official confirmation has been issued.

A vehicle has rammed into a crowd of people in the western German city of Münster. Several people have been killed in the incident, according to police. Authorities have not provided any specific numbers, merely confirming the fatalities. Around 30 people are estimated to be injured. The incident took place in the centre of Münster. Police have cordoned off the area and asked people to avoid it. The nature of the incident remains “unclear,” police said in a Twitter post urging everyone to “avoid speculation.” The incident might have been a terrorist attack, the German Rheinische Post said, citing police sources. However, no official confirmation has been issued. The perpetrator has shot himself, police said. Fire brigades, rescue and police teams have rushed to the scene. Images of the attack have appeared on Twitter. Das sieht ja schrecklich aus ? #Münster #Kiepenkerl pic.twitter.com/f1A5f40ycA — Steffen (@marketingleben) April 7, 2018 ×

Several dead, many injured in Germany's Munster after vehicle drives into crowd

Defender Thiago Silva believes Brazil restored some pride in the famous shirt after a 1-0 friendly win over Germany in Berlin allowed his team to put their 2014 World Cup mauling behind them.

Gabriel Jesus' first-half goal at a sold-out Olympic Stadium on Tuesday saw Brazil end Germany's unbeaten run of 22 games dating back to their Euro 2016 semi-final defeat by hosts France.

"It was a matter of pride, after all that has been written and said," said Silva, who was suspended for the 7-1 rout in Belo Horizonte nearly four years ago.

"This jersey deserves a little more respect. That's why I'm overjoyed about winning against a big opponent."

The friendly victory gained a measure of revenge for five-time world champions Brazil, whose coach Tite had admitted are still haunted by the thrashing in the semi-finals of the last World Cup.

The 56-year-old, nicknamed 'The Professor', said his side had learnt the lesson and showed cool heads in chilly Berlin.

"You media has spoken a lot about this (7-1) result, the reality that it is over -- we simply played well here and we won," said Tite.

"We had no anger or hatred, you can't play well with emotions like that.

"We weren't trying to rebuild lost pride, we just wanted to put in a good performance.

"There are positive things to take from the game and the result, but we made a few mistakes, we gave away some possession and we lacked some width in our game."

Tite said he was pleased to see Brazil earn wins over Russia and now Germany in the last week without injured star forward Neymar.

"We are learning to play well without Neymar and that is part of our strength," said the Brazil boss.

Defending world champions Germany are now winless in their last four games after draws against England, France and Spain.

"We have lost the game, but we can live with it as we have four or five points which we need to intensively work on," said Germany head coach Joachim Loew.

"It was to be expected that Brazil, with their injured soul, played their best team and were highly motivated.

"It wasn't our day. We made too many mistakes, which allowed Brazil to grow in strength and confidence.

"We had a few young players, who will learn from this, but in addition, the body language was not right from some players."

There was some relief for Loew after Germany captain Jerome Boateng twisted ankle ligaments and had to come off in the second half.

"I don't think it's so bad and that nothing is torn," revealed Loew.

The Germany boss made seven changes from the team which started the 1-1 draw with Spain last Friday and included just two World Cup-winners.

Kroos felt some fringe players had blown their chance at a place in Germany's World Cup squad.

"There were a few players who had the chance to show what they could do, but didn't take it -- that's annoying," said the Real Madrid midfielder.

"We saw today that we aren't as good as we are made out to be and as some players believe.

"There is a lot of room for improvement."

'This jersey deserves a little more respect. That's why I'm overjoyed about winning against a big opponent,' says Brazilian defender Thiago Silva

Defender Thiago Silva believes Brazil restored some pride in the famous shirt after a 1-0 friendly win over Germany in Berlin allowed his team to put their 2014 World Cup mauling behind them. Gabriel Jesus' first-half goal at a sold-out Olympic Stadium on Tuesday saw Brazil end Germany's unbeaten run of 22 games dating back to their Euro 2016 semi-final defeat by hosts France. "It was a matter of pride, after all that has been written and said," said Silva, who was suspended for the 7-1 rout in Belo Horizonte nearly four years ago. "This jersey deserves a little more respect. That's why I'm overjoyed about winning against a big opponent." The friendly victory gained a measure of revenge for five-time world champions Brazil, whose coach Tite had admitted are still haunted by the thrashing in the semi-finals of the last World Cup. The 56-year-old, nicknamed 'The Professor', said his side had learnt the lesson and showed cool heads in chilly Berlin. "You media has spoken a lot about this (7-1) result, the reality that it is over -- we simply played well here and we won," said Tite. "We had no anger or hatred, you can't play well with emotions like that. "We weren't trying to rebuild lost pride, we just wanted to put in a good performance. "There are positive things to take from the game and the result, but we made a few mistakes, we gave away some possession and we lacked some width in our game." Tite said he was pleased to see Brazil earn wins over Russia and now Germany in the last week without injured star forward Neymar. "We are learning to play well without Neymar and that is part of our strength," said the Brazil boss. Defending world champions Germany are now winless in their last four games after draws against England, France and Spain. "We have lost the game, but we can live with it as we have four or five points which we need to intensively work on," said Germany head coach Joachim Loew. "It was to be expected that Brazil, with their injured soul, played their best team and were highly motivated. "It wasn't our day. We made too many mistakes, which allowed Brazil to grow in strength and confidence. "We had a few young players, who will learn from this, but in addition, the body language was not right from some players." There was some relief for Loew after Germany captain Jerome Boateng twisted ankle ligaments and had to come off in the second half. "I don't think it's so bad and that nothing is torn," revealed Loew. The Germany boss made seven changes from the team which started the 1-1 draw with Spain last Friday and included just two World Cup-winners. Kroos felt some fringe players had blown their chance at a place in Germany's World Cup squad. "There were a few players who had the chance to show what they could do, but didn't take it -- that's annoying," said the Real Madrid midfielder. "We saw today that we aren't as good as we are made out to be and as some players believe. "There is a lot of room for improvement."

World Cup friendlies: Brazil restored pride by beating Germany

Brazil coach Tite says the "ghost" of their 7-1 mauling by Germany at the 2014 World Cup still haunts the 'Selecao', as the teams prepare to meet on Tuesday.

Brazil suffered their heaviest home defeat when Germany hit four goals in six devastating first-half minutes of the Belo Horizonte semi-final nearly four years ago.

Toni Kroos and Andre Schuerrle both scored twice over the 90 minutes as Germany's attack ran riot en route to winning the World Cup title.

The teams meet in a friendly for the first time since at Berlin's Olympic Stadium and Tite says Brazil still bear the scars.

"This has a huge psychological meaning - no one needs to fool themselves about that," Tite told German magazine Kicker.

"The 7-1 from the World Cup is like a ghost.

"It's present, people still talk about it, but the more you talk about it, the less this 'ghost' disappears.

"It won't just be a sporting challenge, but a huge emotional challenge too.

"We are preparing to give our best performance, which will be important, but of course I also want a good result."

Tite has been in charge of Brazil since 2016, but Felipe Scolari was head coach for the mauling by Germany at the last World Cup.

"I was watching the game at home in Sao Paulo with my wife and after the third goal went in, she started to cry," said the 56-year-old Tite.

"That started me off.

"It was a moment of great inspiration for Germany, every shot was a goal - stuff like that doesn't even happen in video games.

"Sometimes you get that in football, a team comes close to perfection and that's what happened to Germany.

"The wound is still open and the match in Berlin is a part of the process of closing it."

Germany lost to Brazil on penalties in the men's final of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, but this is their first meeting at the senior international level since the 7-1 rout.

Tite told Brazil reporters that Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho will replace Douglas Costa in the only change from the team which beat Russia 3-0 in Moscow on Friday.

Germany head coach Joachim Loew expects to make up to five changes from the starting line-up of Friday's 1-1 with Spain.

Stars Mesut Ozil and Thomas Mueller have been released by Loew to rest while Ilkay Gundogan is expected to start in Germany's midfield.&nbsp

Tite explained in depth why he sees Germany as one of the favourites to defend their World Cup title this June in Russia.

"Not only because of the football, but because of something hard to attain: continuity in their performances," said the Brazilian.

"It has been a process in the years under Joachim Loew.

"Tactically, Germany has a lot of options, you saw that at the Confederations Cup (which they won) with high-quality young players."

Brazil suffered their heaviest home defeat when Germany hit four goals in six devastating first-half minutes of the Belo Horizonte semi-final nearly four years ago

Brazil coach Tite says the "ghost" of their 7-1 mauling by Germany at the 2014 World Cup still haunts the 'Selecao', as the teams prepare to meet on Tuesday. Brazil suffered their heaviest home defeat when Germany hit four goals in six devastating first-half minutes of the Belo Horizonte semi-final nearly four years ago. Toni Kroos and Andre Schuerrle both scored twice over the 90 minutes as Germany's attack ran riot en route to winning the World Cup title. The teams meet in a friendly for the first time since at Berlin's Olympic Stadium and Tite says Brazil still bear the scars. "This has a huge psychological meaning - no one needs to fool themselves about that," Tite told German magazine Kicker. "The 7-1 from the World Cup is like a ghost. "It's present, people still talk about it, but the more you talk about it, the less this 'ghost' disappears. "It won't just be a sporting challenge, but a huge emotional challenge too. "We are preparing to give our best performance, which will be important, but of course I also want a good result." Tite has been in charge of Brazil since 2016, but Felipe Scolari was head coach for the mauling by Germany at the last World Cup. "I was watching the game at home in Sao Paulo with my wife and after the third goal went in, she started to cry," said the 56-year-old Tite. "That started me off. "It was a moment of great inspiration for Germany, every shot was a goal - stuff like that doesn't even happen in video games. "Sometimes you get that in football, a team comes close to perfection and that's what happened to Germany. "The wound is still open and the match in Berlin is a part of the process of closing it." Germany lost to Brazil on penalties in the men's final of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, but this is their first meeting at the senior international level since the 7-1 rout. Tite told Brazil reporters that Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho will replace Douglas Costa in the only change from the team which beat Russia 3-0 in Moscow on Friday. Germany head coach Joachim Loew expects to make up to five changes from the starting line-up of Friday's 1-1 with Spain. Stars Mesut Ozil and Thomas Mueller have been released by Loew to rest while Ilkay Gundogan is expected to start in Germany's midfield. Tite explained in depth why he sees Germany as one of the favourites to defend their World Cup title this June in Russia. "Not only because of the football, but because of something hard to attain: continuity in their performances," said the Brazilian. "It has been a process in the years under Joachim Loew. "Tactically, Germany has a lot of options, you saw that at the Confederations Cup (which they won) with high-quality young players."

'Ghost' of 7-1 Germany mauling still haunts Brazil: Tite

Thousands of Catalan separatists faced off with police in Catalonia on Sunday following the&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-catalan-leader-puigdemont-detained-in-germany-37021" target="_blank">arrest in Germany of the region`s former president Carles Puigdemont&nbsp</a>five months after he fled Spain.

Catalan police decked out in riot gear shoved and hit demonstrators with batons to keep the crowd from advancing on the office of the Spanish government`s representative in Barcelona, the capital of the wealthy northeastern region.

Officers fired warning shots in the air to try to contain the demonstrators, who pushed large recycling containers towards police. Some people threw glass bottles, cans and eggs at police.

Seventy-nine people were injured during the clashes in Barcelona, mainly with bruises, including 13 police officers, emergency services said.&nbsp

Another seven people were injured at a protest in Lleida, about 150 kilometres (90 miles) west of Barcelona and one person was injured in Tarragona to the south.

Catalan parliament speaker Roger Torrent appealed for calm in an address broadcast on regional television.

"I have no doubt that Catalan society will act as it always has, with non-violence," he said.

German police earlier arrested Puigdemont as he crossed the border with Denmark by car, responding to a European warrant issued by Spain, a German police spokeswoman told AFP.

The arrest comes five months after Puigdemont went on the run as Spanish prosecutors sought to charge him in the wake of a vote by the Catalan parliament to declare independence.

"It angers us that they arrested Puigdemont, he is our highest representative," said 22-year-old architecture student Judit Carapena told AFP at the protest.

Spain`s central government should not "sing victory because it is not the end of separatism, far from it," she added.

Yolanda Salleras, a 37-year-old physiotherapist, said they time had come for Catalan separatists to do "something more radical" like an open-ended strike "until they free everybody".

Aside from Puigdemont, nine other Catalan separatist leaders are in jail in Spain over the region`s separatist push.

According to Catalan public radio, CDR members blocked several roads in Catalonia, causing traffic jams, just as they did during two strikes in the region last year called to protest police violence during a banned independence referendum held in Catalonia on October 1.

Puigdemont`s detention puts his fate in the hands of German courts, which will have to decide whether to pass him to Spanish authorities to face charges of "rebellion and misuse of public funds".

It is the latest chapter in a secession saga that has bitterly divided Catalans and triggered Spain`s worst political crisis in decades.

Puigdemont will be brought before a German court on Monday, who will then decide if he is to remain in custody pending extradition proceedings.The arrest comes two days after Spain`s supreme court issued international arrest warrants for 13 Catalan separatists including Puigdemont and his nominated successor Jordi Turull over their role in the region`s failed bid for independence.&nbsp

The court said they would be prosecuted for "rebellion", a charge which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

Twelve more face less serious charges like disobedience.&nbsp

Issuing the warrant for Puigdemont on Friday, Judge Pablo Llarena accused the ousted Catalan leader of organising an independence referendum in October last year despite a ban from Madrid.

The vote had been swiftly followed by the Catalan parliament`s declaration of independence on October 27.

As Spanish authorities moved in to impose direct rule over the region, Puigdemont and four other separatist leaders fled to Belgium. A sixth one fled the country on Friday, reportedly to Switzerland.

Hours after Puigdemont was detained in Germany, a spokesman from Police Scotland said one of them, Clara Ponsati, who has since gone to Scotland and is wanted for both rebellion and misuse of public funds, was "making arrangements" to surrender to authorities there. Puigdemont had been visiting Finland since Thursday, but slipped out of the Nordic country before Finnish police could detain him.

Puigdemont`s lawyer Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas, added on Twitter that he was picked up by German police as he was travelling back to Belgium to "present himself, as always, at the disposal of Belgian courts".

Spanish police said the arrest came thanks to a "coordinated operation between police and the CNI", Spain`s intelligence agency.

German authorities have 60 days to decide whether to extradite Puigdemont to Spain.

Elsa Artadi, a lawmaker with Puigdemont`s Together for Catalonia party, said that he should fight his extradition to Spain.

"Spain does not guarantee a fair trial only revenge and repression," she wrote on Twitter."What they are doing these days is totally disproportionate, we are being treated like criminals for wanting independence," Rosa Vela, a 60-year-old teacher, told AFP, at the protest in Barcelona.

While separatist parties won Catalonia`s regional elections in December called by Madrid, they have been unable to elect a president and form a government as they have picked candidates are now either in exile, in jail or facing prosecution.

After Puigdemont was forced to withdraw his bid for the presidency as he could not return to Spain without facing arrest, another pro-independence leader Jordi Sanchez followed suit when a judge refused to let him out of jail to be sworn in. A third candidate, Jordi Turull, was placed in custody on Friday.

Fresh regional elections will be triggered if a new leader is not elected by May 22.

Catalan police decked out in riot gear shoved and hit demonstrators with batons to keep the crowd from advancing on the office of the Spanish government`s representative in Barcelona, the capital of the wealthy northeastern region

Thousands of Catalan separatists faced off with police in Catalonia on Sunday following the arrest in Germany of the region`s former president Carles Puigdemont five months after he fled Spain. Catalan police decked out in riot gear shoved and hit demonstrators with batons to keep the crowd from advancing on the office of the Spanish government`s representative in Barcelona, the capital of the wealthy northeastern region. Officers fired warning shots in the air to try to contain the demonstrators, who pushed large recycling containers towards police. Some people threw glass bottles, cans and eggs at police. Seventy-nine people were injured during the clashes in Barcelona, mainly with bruises, including 13 police officers, emergency services said. Another seven people were injured at a protest in Lleida, about 150 kilometres (90 miles) west of Barcelona and one person was injured in Tarragona to the south. Catalan parliament speaker Roger Torrent appealed for calm in an address broadcast on regional television. "I have no doubt that Catalan society will act as it always has, with non-violence," he said. German police earlier arrested Puigdemont as he crossed the border with Denmark by car, responding to a European warrant issued by Spain, a German police spokeswoman told AFP. The arrest comes five months after Puigdemont went on the run as Spanish prosecutors sought to charge him in the wake of a vote by the Catalan parliament to declare independence. "It angers us that they arrested Puigdemont, he is our highest representative," said 22-year-old architecture student Judit Carapena told AFP at the protest. Spain`s central government should not "sing victory because it is not the end of separatism, far from it," she added. Yolanda Salleras, a 37-year-old physiotherapist, said they time had come for Catalan separatists to do "something more radical" like an open-ended strike "until they free everybody". Aside from Puigdemont, nine other Catalan separatist leaders are in jail in Spain over the region`s separatist push. According to Catalan public radio, CDR members blocked several roads in Catalonia, causing traffic jams, just as they did during two strikes in the region last year called to protest police violence during a banned independence referendum held in Catalonia on October 1. Puigdemont`s detention puts his fate in the hands of German courts, which will have to decide whether to pass him to Spanish authorities to face charges of "rebellion and misuse of public funds". It is the latest chapter in a secession saga that has bitterly divided Catalans and triggered Spain`s worst political crisis in decades. Puigdemont will be brought before a German court on Monday, who will then decide if he is to remain in custody pending extradition proceedings.The arrest comes two days after Spain`s supreme court issued international arrest warrants for 13 Catalan separatists including Puigdemont and his nominated successor Jordi Turull over their role in the region`s failed bid for independence. The court said they would be prosecuted for "rebellion", a charge which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. Twelve more face less serious charges like disobedience. Issuing the warrant for Puigdemont on Friday, Judge Pablo Llarena accused the ousted Catalan leader of organising an independence referendum in October last year despite a ban from Madrid. The vote had been swiftly followed by the Catalan parliament`s declaration of independence on October 27. As Spanish authorities moved in to impose direct rule over the region, Puigdemont and four other separatist leaders fled to Belgium. A sixth one fled the country on Friday, reportedly to Switzerland. Hours after Puigdemont was detained in Germany, a spokesman from Police Scotland said one of them, Clara Ponsati, who has since gone to Scotland and is wanted for both rebellion and misuse of public funds, was "making arrangements" to surrender to authorities there. Puigdemont had been visiting Finland since Thursday, but slipped out of the Nordic country before Finnish police could detain him. Puigdemont`s lawyer Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas, added on Twitter that he was picked up by German police as he was travelling back to Belgium to "present himself, as always, at the disposal of Belgian courts". Spanish police said the arrest came thanks to a "coordinated operation between police and the CNI", Spain`s intelligence agency. German authorities have 60 days to decide whether to extradite Puigdemont to Spain. Elsa Artadi, a lawmaker with Puigdemont`s Together for Catalonia party, said that he should fight his extradition to Spain. "Spain does not guarantee a fair trial only revenge and repression," she wrote on Twitter."What they are doing these days is totally disproportionate, we are being treated like criminals for wanting independence," Rosa Vela, a 60-year-old teacher, told AFP, at the protest in Barcelona. While separatist parties won Catalonia`s regional elections in December called by Madrid, they have been unable to elect a president and form a government as they have picked candidates are now either in exile, in jail or facing prosecution. After Puigdemont was forced to withdraw his bid for the presidency as he could not return to Spain without facing arrest, another pro-independence leader Jordi Sanchez followed suit when a judge refused to let him out of jail to be sworn in. A third candidate, Jordi Turull, was placed in custody on Friday. Fresh regional elections will be triggered if a new leader is not elected by May 22.

Clashes in Catalonia after Puigdemont arrested in Germany

World champions Germany drew 1-1 with Spain in a high tempo friendly on Friday as they launched their preparations for a title defence in Russia while their opponents had striker Diego Costa making his long-awaited comeback as a substitute.

Germany&#39;s Thomas Mueller scored with a long-range strike in the 35th minute to cancel out Rodrigo Moreno&#39;s early opener.

The hosts were made to work hard against the Spaniards, who are unbeaten under coach Julen Lopetegui, but still managed to stretch their own unbeaten run to 22 matches, one shy of the German record of 23 dating back to 1978-80.

They can now match it when they take on five-times world champions Brazil on Tuesday when Spain, the 2010 World Cup winners, host Argentina in Madrid.

&quot;I think it was a very good test for both teams because both teams combine well when they have possession,&quot; said Germany coach Joachim Loew.

&quot;Spain and us tried to increase the pressure, attack early, press early. It was a high intensity game and a good test to gain a lot of insight. We still have some room for improvement.&quot;

The visitors, with captain Sergio Ramos earning his 150th cap, went ahead when Rodrigo timed his run perfectly to pick up a superb through ball from Andres Iniesta and beat keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the sixth minute.

The Germans, who at times struggled with their opponents&#39; quick passing, managed to draw level with an unstoppable 20-metre strike from Mueller 10 minutes before the break.

Busy Keepers

Keepers David de Gea and Ter Stegen were kept busy after the break and Mats Hummels hit the crossbar with a looping header from a clever Toni Kroos free kick as both sides carved out good chances.

&quot;We have a good feeling after this game against the best team in the world,&quot; said Lopetegui, whose own unbeaten run with Spain is now 17 games.

&quot;We had chances to win the game. Germany are extremely fast and strong. We were fully motivated against the world champions.&quot;

Spain&#39;s Costa made his comeback as a substitute in the second half after the combative forward missed out on playing late last year when he was unable to feature for his club because of a FIFA transfer ban for signing minors.

Atletico completed a 57 million pound ($80.6 million) deal for Costa to rejoin them from Chelsea in September, but the move was delayed because the Liga club could not register new players due to the ban, which ended on Jan. 1.

His return is good news for Lopetegui&#39;s team, one of the title contenders at the World Cup in Russia starting in June.

The Germans have been drawn in Group F of the tournament, along with Mexico, South Korea and Sweden.

Spain are in Group B and will play Iran, Morocco and Portugal.

World champions Germany drew 1-1 with Spain in a high tempo friendly on Friday as they launched their preparations for a title defence in Russia while their opponents had striker Diego Costa making his long-awaited comeback as a substitute

World champions Germany drew 1-1 with Spain in a high tempo friendly on Friday as they launched their preparations for a title defence in Russia while their opponents had striker Diego Costa making his long-awaited comeback as a substitute. Germany's Thomas Mueller scored with a long-range strike in the 35th minute to cancel out Rodrigo Moreno's early opener. The hosts were made to work hard against the Spaniards, who are unbeaten under coach Julen Lopetegui, but still managed to stretch their own unbeaten run to 22 matches, one shy of the German record of 23 dating back to 1978-80. They can now match it when they take on five-times world champions Brazil on Tuesday when Spain, the 2010 World Cup winners, host Argentina in Madrid. "I think it was a very good test for both teams because both teams combine well when they have possession," said Germany coach Joachim Loew. "Spain and us tried to increase the pressure, attack early, press early. It was a high intensity game and a good test to gain a lot of insight. We still have some room for improvement." The visitors, with captain Sergio Ramos earning his 150th cap, went ahead when Rodrigo timed his run perfectly to pick up a superb through ball from Andres Iniesta and beat keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the sixth minute. The Germans, who at times struggled with their opponents' quick passing, managed to draw level with an unstoppable 20-metre strike from Mueller 10 minutes before the break. Busy Keepers Keepers David de Gea and Ter Stegen were kept busy after the break and Mats Hummels hit the crossbar with a looping header from a clever Toni Kroos free kick as both sides carved out good chances. "We have a good feeling after this game against the best team in the world," said Lopetegui, whose own unbeaten run with Spain is now 17 games. "We had chances to win the game. Germany are extremely fast and strong. We were fully motivated against the world champions." Spain's Costa made his comeback as a substitute in the second half after the combative forward missed out on playing late last year when he was unable to feature for his club because of a FIFA transfer ban for signing minors. Atletico completed a 57 million pound ($80.6 million) deal for Costa to rejoin them from Chelsea in September, but the move was delayed because the Liga club could not register new players due to the ban, which ended on Jan. 1. His return is good news for Lopetegui's team, one of the title contenders at the World Cup in Russia starting in June. The Germans have been drawn in Group F of the tournament, along with Mexico, South Korea and Sweden. Spain are in Group B and will play Iran, Morocco and Portugal.

Football:  Germany draw 1-1 with Spain as Costa makes comeback

Germany forward Thomas Mueller expects revenge to be a factor when his side take on Brazil for the first time since humiliating the South Americans 7-1 in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals.

Joachim Loew&#39;s Germany start fine-tuning preparations for their World Cup defence in Russia with high-profile friendlies against Spain in Duesseldorf on Friday and Brazil in Berlin next Tuesday.

Spain, the 2010 World Cup winners, have the first chance to break Germany&#39;s 21-match unbeaten run, dating back to their Euro 2016 semi-final defeat by France.

However, the clash four days later at Berlin&#39;s Olympic Stadium offers Brazil a rare chance to beat Germany in their own backyard and avenge the hammering in Belo Horizonte almost four years ago.

&quot;Of course, you can imagine that the humiliation was great after losing a semi-final of a World Cup at home,&quot; said Mueller, who scored the first goal in that game.

&quot;Brazil is really a football-mad country and the pressure on them was huge. However, our journey wasn&#39;t over and for us it was just a step towards the final.&quot;

The Spain and Brazil games are head coach Loew&#39;s last chance to assess his options before naming his World Cup squad on May 15.

Key decisions

&quot;Two top matches await us -- we&#39;re up against superb teams. It&#39;s fun to compete with the best,&quot; added Bayern Munich forward Mueller. &quot;We all have the mentality that we always want to win, that&#39;s why we&#39;re the elite. The competition within the squad is a means to keep up the performance level. No one can afford to relax, everyone&#39;s challenged.

&quot;It&#39;s not just that we have eight or 11 good players, more like 20 or 25.

&quot;It&#39;s a good situation for the coach to be in. But this is an opportunity to show what we can do against big opponents in big games.&quot;

However, big names are missing in the ranks of the four-time World Cup winners.

Borussia Dortmund pair Mario Goetze, who scored the winning goal in the 2014 final against Argentina, and Marco Reus were left out to focus on their club form.

Germany captain Manuel Neuer, who last played an international in October 2016, is still sidelined with a fractured foot he suffered in September.

Loew must also decide whether Sandro Wagner or Mario Gomez will go to Russia as the back-up to first-choice striker Timo Werner.

Likewise, Paris Saint-Germain&#39;s Kevin Trapp and Bernd Leno of Bayer Leverkusen are vying for the third goalkeeping berth behind first-choice Neuer and reserve Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

&quot;I am glad that I do not have to decide who will be going,&quot; Germany midfielder Sami Khedira admitted to magazine Sport Bild.

As the Juventus player acknowledges, there will be &quot;no free ticket&quot; to Russia for any German stars.

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can sat out training on Wednesday with slight back pain, while Bayern&#39;s Sebastian Rudy will join the squad late as he awaits the birth of his child.&nbsp;

Timings:&nbsp;

Germany vs Spain: Saturday March 24, 1,15 am IST

Germany vs Brazil: Wednesday, March 28, 12.15 am IST

Germany thrashed Brazil 7-1 the last time they met in the semifinal of the 2014 World Cup

Germany forward Thomas Mueller expects revenge to be a factor when his side take on Brazil for the first time since humiliating the South Americans 7-1 in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals. Joachim Loew's Germany start fine-tuning preparations for their World Cup defence in Russia with high-profile friendlies against Spain in Duesseldorf on Friday and Brazil in Berlin next Tuesday. Spain, the 2010 World Cup winners, have the first chance to break Germany's 21-match unbeaten run, dating back to their Euro 2016 semi-final defeat by France. However, the clash four days later at Berlin's Olympic Stadium offers Brazil a rare chance to beat Germany in their own backyard and avenge the hammering in Belo Horizonte almost four years ago. "Of course, you can imagine that the humiliation was great after losing a semi-final of a World Cup at home," said Mueller, who scored the first goal in that game. "Brazil is really a football-mad country and the pressure on them was huge. However, our journey wasn't over and for us it was just a step towards the final." The Spain and Brazil games are head coach Loew's last chance to assess his options before naming his World Cup squad on May 15. Key decisions "Two top matches await us -- we're up against superb teams. It's fun to compete with the best," added Bayern Munich forward Mueller. "We all have the mentality that we always want to win, that's why we're the elite. The competition within the squad is a means to keep up the performance level. No one can afford to relax, everyone's challenged. "It's not just that we have eight or 11 good players, more like 20 or 25. "It's a good situation for the coach to be in. But this is an opportunity to show what we can do against big opponents in big games." However, big names are missing in the ranks of the four-time World Cup winners. Borussia Dortmund pair Mario Goetze, who scored the winning goal in the 2014 final against Argentina, and Marco Reus were left out to focus on their club form. Germany captain Manuel Neuer, who last played an international in October 2016, is still sidelined with a fractured foot he suffered in September. Loew must also decide whether Sandro Wagner or Mario Gomez will go to Russia as the back-up to first-choice striker Timo Werner. Likewise, Paris Saint-Germain's Kevin Trapp and Bernd Leno of Bayer Leverkusen are vying for the third goalkeeping berth behind first-choice Neuer and reserve Marc-Andre ter Stegen. "I am glad that I do not have to decide who will be going," Germany midfielder Sami Khedira admitted to magazine Sport Bild. As the Juventus player acknowledges, there will be "no free ticket" to Russia for any German stars. Liverpool midfielder Emre Can sat out training on Wednesday with slight back pain, while Bayern's Sebastian Rudy will join the squad late as he awaits the birth of his child. Timings: Germany vs Spain: Saturday March 24, 1,15 am IST Germany vs Brazil: Wednesday, March 28, 12.15 am IST

Football World Cup friendlies: Germany to take on Spain, Brazil

Russia will remain a &quot;difficult partner&quot; after President Vladimir Putin&#39;s re-election but will be needed to help resolve international tensions, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Monday, questioning the vote&#39;s fairness.&nbsp;

&quot;The result of the election in Russia did not surprise us any more than the circumstances of this election,&quot; Maas told reporters in Brussels before talks with his European Union counterparts.

&quot;We certainly cannot talk in all respects about a fair political contest as we know it,&quot; he said.

It was &quot;unacceptable&quot; that the Russian election also took place in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine four years ago in breach of international law, the minister said.&nbsp;

&quot;In this respect, we assume that Russia will remain a difficult partner,&quot; Maas added.

&quot;But Russia is also needed when it comes to resolving the major international conflicts and that is why we want to remain in dialogue,&quot; the minister said.

Russia is a key player in Ukraine, but also in the civil war in Syria and in the nuclear standoff on the Korean peninsula.

&quot;We also expect Russia to make constructive contributions, more so than has been the case in the recent past,&quot; he said.

Maas said the ministers will discuss the situation in the Ukraine where the EU accuses Moscow of supporting a rebellion in the east.

The foreign ministers&#39; meeting will focus on British allegations that Russia used a nerve agent to poison a former Russian spy in Britain, charges Moscow denies.&nbsp;

'The result of the election in Russia did not surprise us any more than the circumstances of this election,' German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said

Russia will remain a "difficult partner" after President Vladimir Putin's re-election but will be needed to help resolve international tensions, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Monday, questioning the vote's fairness. "The result of the election in Russia did not surprise us any more than the circumstances of this election," Maas told reporters in Brussels before talks with his European Union counterparts. "We certainly cannot talk in all respects about a fair political contest as we know it," he said. It was "unacceptable" that the Russian election also took place in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine four years ago in breach of international law, the minister said. "In this respect, we assume that Russia will remain a difficult partner," Maas added. "But Russia is also needed when it comes to resolving the major international conflicts and that is why we want to remain in dialogue," the minister said. Russia is a key player in Ukraine, but also in the civil war in Syria and in the nuclear standoff on the Korean peninsula. "We also expect Russia to make constructive contributions, more so than has been the case in the recent past," he said. Maas said the ministers will discuss the situation in the Ukraine where the EU accuses Moscow of supporting a rebellion in the east. The foreign ministers' meeting will focus on British allegations that Russia used a nerve agent to poison a former Russian spy in Britain, charges Moscow denies.

Russia will remain 'difficult partner' after Putin re-election: Germany

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday discussed overcapacity in world steel markets and agreed to work on solutions within the framework of the G20 group of industrialised nations, Merkel`s spokesman said.

The two leaders emphasised close ties between the two countries, which are both facing planned U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs, and agreed to deepen the strategic partnership between them, Steffen Seibert said in a statement.

He said Merkel invited the Chinese government to visit Berlin for consultations, and Xi invited Merkel to visit China. They also discussed the current situation in North Korea regarding its nuclear and missile development efforts.&nbsp;

The two leaders emphasised close ties between the two countries

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday discussed overcapacity in world steel markets and agreed to work on solutions within the framework of the G20 group of industrialised nations, Merkel`s spokesman said. The two leaders emphasised close ties between the two countries, which are both facing planned U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs, and agreed to deepen the strategic partnership between them, Steffen Seibert said in a statement. He said Merkel invited the Chinese government to visit Berlin for consultations, and Xi invited Merkel to visit China. They also discussed the current situation in North Korea regarding its nuclear and missile development efforts.

Merkel, Xi agree to work on steel overcapacity within G20

New Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said Islam does not belong to Germany and set out hardline immigration policies in an interview published on Friday, as he sought to see off rising far-right challengers.

Seehofer told Bild newspaper he would push through a &quot;master plan for quicker deportations&quot;, in his first major interview since he was sworn into office on Wednesday.

The minister - a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel&#39;s CSU Bavarian allies who are further to the right than her own Christian Democrats (CDU) - said he would also classify more states as &#39;safe&#39; countries of origin, which would make it easier to deport failed asylum seekers.

The statements come after Merkel&#39;s conservatives, and their coalition allies - the Social Democrats - lost ground to the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in elections last year.

Seehofer is particularly keen to show his party is tackling immigration ahead of Bavaria&#39;s October regional election when the AfD is expected to enter that state assembly.

&quot;Islam does not belong to Germany,&quot; Seehofer said, contradicting former German president Christian Wulff who fuelled a debate over immigration in 2010 by saying Islam was part of Germany.

In 2015 Merkel echoed Wulff&#39;s words at a time when anti-immigration campaign group PEGIDA - or Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West - was holding marches.

&quot;Of course the Muslims living here do belong to Germany,&quot; Seehofer said before going on to say Germany should not give up its own traditions or customs, which had Christianity at their heart.

&quot;My message is: Muslims need to live with us, not next to us or against us,&quot; he said.

The government estimates between 4.4 and 4.7 million Muslims are living in Germany. Many of them have a Turkish background and many of the more than a million migrants who have arrived in the country from the Middle East and elsewhere after Merkel adopted an open-door policy in mid-2015 are also Muslims.

Andre Poggenburg, head of the AfD in the eastern state of Saxony, said Seehofer was copying his party with a view to Bavaria&#39;s October regional election: &quot;Horst Seehofer has taken this message from our manifesto word for word,&quot; he said.

The far-left Linke and Greens condemned Seehofer&#39;s message, and the Social Democrats&#39; Natascha Kohnen told broadcaster n-tv: &quot;Saying that incites people against each other at a time when we really don&#39;t need that. What we really need is politicians who bring people together.&quot;

In a coalition agreement, Merkel&#39;s CDU/CSU conservative bloc and the Social Democrats agreed they would manage and limit migration to Germany and Europe to avoid a re-run of the 2015 refugee crisis.

They also said they did not expect migration (excluding labour migration) to rise above the range of 180,000 to 220,000 per year.

'My message is: Muslims need to live with us, not next to us or against us,' new Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said

New Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said Islam does not belong to Germany and set out hardline immigration policies in an interview published on Friday, as he sought to see off rising far-right challengers. Seehofer told Bild newspaper he would push through a "master plan for quicker deportations", in his first major interview since he was sworn into office on Wednesday. The minister - a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's CSU Bavarian allies who are further to the right than her own Christian Democrats (CDU) - said he would also classify more states as 'safe' countries of origin, which would make it easier to deport failed asylum seekers. The statements come after Merkel's conservatives, and their coalition allies - the Social Democrats - lost ground to the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in elections last year. Seehofer is particularly keen to show his party is tackling immigration ahead of Bavaria's October regional election when the AfD is expected to enter that state assembly. "Islam does not belong to Germany," Seehofer said, contradicting former German president Christian Wulff who fuelled a debate over immigration in 2010 by saying Islam was part of Germany. In 2015 Merkel echoed Wulff's words at a time when anti-immigration campaign group PEGIDA - or Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West - was holding marches. "Of course the Muslims living here do belong to Germany," Seehofer said before going on to say Germany should not give up its own traditions or customs, which had Christianity at their heart. "My message is: Muslims need to live with us, not next to us or against us," he said. The government estimates between 4.4 and 4.7 million Muslims are living in Germany. Many of them have a Turkish background and many of the more than a million migrants who have arrived in the country from the Middle East and elsewhere after Merkel adopted an open-door policy in mid-2015 are also Muslims. Andre Poggenburg, head of the AfD in the eastern state of Saxony, said Seehofer was copying his party with a view to Bavaria's October regional election: "Horst Seehofer has taken this message from our manifesto word for word," he said. The far-left Linke and Greens condemned Seehofer's message, and the Social Democrats' Natascha Kohnen told broadcaster n-tv: "Saying that incites people against each other at a time when we really don't need that. What we really need is politicians who bring people together." In a coalition agreement, Merkel's CDU/CSU conservative bloc and the Social Democrats agreed they would manage and limit migration to Germany and Europe to avoid a re-run of the 2015 refugee crisis. They also said they did not expect migration (excluding labour migration) to rise above the range of 180,000 to 220,000 per year.

Facing far-right challenge, minister says Islam doesn't belong to Germany

World number three Marin Cilic crashed out of the ATP Indian Wells tournament on Tuesday, losing in straight sets to Germany&#39;s Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 6-4.

The 29-year-old Cilic, who reached the finals of two of the last three Grand Slams, dropped to a record of 10-4 on the season.

Kohlschreiber advances to the fourth round where he will play unseeded Pierre-Hugues Herbert who won his third round match when fellow Frenchman Gael Monfils retired in the second set with a lower back injury.

Cilic blasted five aces but couldn&#39;t overcome Kohlschreiber&#39;s strong serving game. The German won 76 percent of his first serve points and broke Cilic&#39;s serve twice, once in each set.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Not a bad day at the office for ???????? Kohlschreiber... 
 
✅ First Top 10 win since 2016 
???????? Seventh win against Cilic 
???? Books spot in Indian Wells R4 
 
More ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/7ooDhAPyr4">https://t.co/7ooDhAPyr4</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPMasters1000?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPMasters1000</a> <a href="https://t.co/DuFsf3xAjY">pic.twitter.com/DuFsf3xAjY</a>
&mdash; ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPWorldTour/status/973713151865729024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kohlschreiber is now 7-4 overall against Cilic. He has won three out of their last four meetings, including a straight-set victory in the final in Munich on clay in 2012. He won their first meeting on hardcourt in Moscow in 2007.

Cilic, who is considered to be one of the most consistent players on the Tour, claimed his 17th career title in Istanbul last year. He also reached the final at Wimbledon.

In January, he lost in five sets in the final of the Australian Open to Roger Federer, the third Grand Slam final of his career.&nbsp;

In the first set Kohlschreiber got the key break he needed in the third game to go up 2-1. He managed to hold serve for the rest of the set and take the final game on four straight points.

He got another break of serve in the seventh game of the second set to pull ahead 4-3 then held serve in the next game to go up 5-3.

Kohlschreiber closed out the contest on match point when Cilic&#39;s final backhand shot hit the net cord and fell back into his side of the court.

&nbsp;

Kohlschreiber advances to the fourth round where he will play unseeded Pierre-Hugues Herbert

World number three Marin Cilic crashed out of the ATP Indian Wells tournament on Tuesday, losing in straight sets to Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 6-4. The 29-year-old Cilic, who reached the finals of two of the last three Grand Slams, dropped to a record of 10-4 on the season. Kohlschreiber advances to the fourth round where he will play unseeded Pierre-Hugues Herbert who won his third round match when fellow Frenchman Gael Monfils retired in the second set with a lower back injury. Cilic blasted five aces but couldn't overcome Kohlschreiber's strong serving game. The German won 76 percent of his first serve points and broke Cilic's serve twice, once in each set. Not a bad day at the office for ???????? Kohlschreiber... ✅ First Top 10 win since 2016 ???????? Seventh win against Cilic ???? Books spot in Indian Wells R4 More ➡️ https://t.co/7ooDhAPyr4 #ATPMasters1000 pic.twitter.com/DuFsf3xAjY — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) March 14, 2018 × Kohlschreiber is now 7-4 overall against Cilic. He has won three out of their last four meetings, including a straight-set victory in the final in Munich on clay in 2012. He won their first meeting on hardcourt in Moscow in 2007. Cilic, who is considered to be one of the most consistent players on the Tour, claimed his 17th career title in Istanbul last year. He also reached the final at Wimbledon. In January, he lost in five sets in the final of the Australian Open to Roger Federer, the third Grand Slam final of his career. In the first set Kohlschreiber got the key break he needed in the third game to go up 2-1. He managed to hold serve for the rest of the set and take the final game on four straight points. He got another break of serve in the seventh game of the second set to pull ahead 4-3 then held serve in the next game to go up 5-3. Kohlschreiber closed out the contest on match point when Cilic's final backhand shot hit the net cord and fell back into his side of the court.

Tennis: Second seed Marin Cilic crashes out of Indian Wells

The direct and indirect costs of having children can be high and, in many societies, women most often shoulder these costs.

In a recent research study, we measured the gender-specific economic impact of parenthood in Germany. Our finding: mothers may end up with less accrued wealth than women without children.

German men, who are comparable in other characteristics such as education and age, on the other hand, show similar amounts of personal wealth regardless of whether they have children.

Mothers accrue less wealth

The research, which was conducted in Germany, looked at 28,650 individuals to assess women&rsquo;s personal wealth over the course of a decade, from 2002 to 2012. For the purposes of our study, personal wealth refers to all economic assets that subjects own solely as well as their individual share of assets jointly owned with somebody else.

We found that each year after a woman&rsquo;s first child is born, she accrues only about 98 cents for each &euro;1 of wealth that childless women gain. This small difference adds up over time. After being a mother for 50 years, a mother&rsquo;s personal wealth is roughly 60% lower than for a German woman who does not have children, everything else remaining equal.&nbsp;

This gap in capital is largely related to employment. German mothers accumulate less wealth because they are likely to stop paid work to care for their young children and, as children get older, return to work part-time.

Without full-time employment, women have less income to put into savings. Employment gaps may also reduce long-term earning potential because career advancement becomes less likely.

According to our study, women&rsquo;s male partners do not appear to fully compensate for these losses in wealth by sharing financial resources within the couple.&nbsp;

The loss in personal wealth is greater the younger a woman is when she becomes a mother. The difference may be due to the fact that career interruptions early in one&rsquo;s working life are especially harmful.

Mothers additionally accrue less wealth if they are unmarried when they give birth; a difference that holds for both single mothers and those living with their partners. This finding suggests that married fathers may be more willing to compensate for their spouses&rsquo; income losses, and that married mothers and fathers are more likely to share their incomes.

By middle life (ages 40 to 60), mothers and fathers show the greatest discrepancy in wealth (see above graph). By older age, these inequalities decrease.&nbsp;

Why wealth differences matter

The reduced wealth of mothers as compared to fathers and to women without children has many important implications.

Financial assets and savings are resources that can be tapped to weather rainy days, independent of current income. Wealth can also be passed on to the next generation or invested in education and, thereby, affect the well-being of children.

For a woman living with a more wealthy partner, having little wealth may seem less important. But, as we know, couples do not always fully share their wealth.

And, in any case, inequalities in personal wealth within the same household also hurt women. German women reported lower subjective well-being if they had less wealth than their partners, and studies from Ecuador and Ghana have shown that the risk of intimate partner violence increases when women&rsquo;s personal capital is less than that of their partners. Although we do not know whether those findings would apply in Germany or other countries.

Finally, economic inequality between mothers and fathers can affect children. When mothers have relatively more resources, the well-being of children is improved. If couples separate, gender inequalities within couples may ultimately contribute to inequalities between ex-partners.&nbsp;

International differences

Our research examined the wealth consequences of parenthood in Germany, where women have achieved equal status compared to men in many respects. Nonetheless, a traditional division of labour, where men are the main breadwinners, still dominates here.

Other research, though based on less adequate data, has also found a wealth gap between genders in the United States. Complementary evidence on income inequalities between mothers and fathers have additionally been found in many countries around the world, including China, Japan, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

Gender-based wealth inequality as a result of parenthood may be weaker in more egalitarian societies, such as Sweden.

Wealth inequalities between mothers and fathers &ndash; and, more generally, between women and men, even within married couples &ndash; are stronger in countries in which women and men do not have equal legal status.

In Ghana, for example, where women&rsquo;s contributions to marital assets are not recognised, married women own only about 20% of household assets. Similar inequality exists in some parts of India.

By contrast, in Ecuador, where women&rsquo;s legal status is more equal to men&rsquo;s, wealth inequalities within married couples are negligible.&nbsp;

Economic well-being of women and men

The finding that, in relatively gender-equal Germany, women end up with less personal wealth after becoming mothers as compared to both childless women and to men suggests the need for a proactive government response.

Currently, ambiguous policies continue to hinder female employment. One approach for tackling mothers&rsquo; economic disadvantages is to encourage maternal full-time employment, for instance, by providing better access to childcare.

Recent policy reforms in Germany toward this goal may decrease disadvantages in the future. But wealth accumulation is a slow process, and these changes will take time to have any effect.

In the meantime, mothers will continue to struggle to save up for that rainy day.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The economic costs of having children are more often shouldered by women, so mothers tend to accumulate less capital over time.

The direct and indirect costs of having children can be high and, in many societies, women most often shoulder these costs. In a recent research study, we measured the gender-specific economic impact of parenthood in Germany. Our finding: mothers may end up with less accrued wealth than women without children. German men, who are comparable in other characteristics such as education and age, on the other hand, show similar amounts of personal wealth regardless of whether they have children. Mothers accrue less wealth The research, which was conducted in Germany, looked at 28,650 individuals to assess women’s personal wealth over the course of a decade, from 2002 to 2012. For the purposes of our study, personal wealth refers to all economic assets that subjects own solely as well as their individual share of assets jointly owned with somebody else. We found that each year after a woman’s first child is born, she accrues only about 98 cents for each €1 of wealth that childless women gain. This small difference adds up over time. After being a mother for 50 years, a mother’s personal wealth is roughly 60% lower than for a German woman who does not have children, everything else remaining equal. This gap in capital is largely related to employment. German mothers accumulate less wealth because they are likely to stop paid work to care for their young children and, as children get older, return to work part-time. Without full-time employment, women have less income to put into savings. Employment gaps may also reduce long-term earning potential because career advancement becomes less likely. According to our study, women’s male partners do not appear to fully compensate for these losses in wealth by sharing financial resources within the couple. The loss in personal wealth is greater the younger a woman is when she becomes a mother. The difference may be due to the fact that career interruptions early in one’s working life are especially harmful. Mothers additionally accrue less wealth if they are unmarried when they give birth; a difference that holds for both single mothers and those living with their partners. This finding suggests that married fathers may be more willing to compensate for their spouses’ income losses, and that married mothers and fathers are more likely to share their incomes. By middle life (ages 40 to 60), mothers and fathers show the greatest discrepancy in wealth (see above graph). By older age, these inequalities decrease. Why wealth differences matter The reduced wealth of mothers as compared to fathers and to women without children has many important implications. Financial assets and savings are resources that can be tapped to weather rainy days, independent of current income. Wealth can also be passed on to the next generation or invested in education and, thereby, affect the well-being of children. For a woman living with a more wealthy partner, having little wealth may seem less important. But, as we know, couples do not always fully share their wealth. And, in any case, inequalities in personal wealth within the same household also hurt women. German women reported lower subjective well-being if they had less wealth than their partners, and studies from Ecuador and Ghana have shown that the risk of intimate partner violence increases when women’s personal capital is less than that of their partners. Although we do not know whether those findings would apply in Germany or other countries. Finally, economic inequality between mothers and fathers can affect children. When mothers have relatively more resources, the well-being of children is improved. If couples separate, gender inequalities within couples may ultimately contribute to inequalities between ex-partners. International differences Our research examined the wealth consequences of parenthood in Germany, where women have achieved equal status compared to men in many respects. Nonetheless, a traditional division of labour, where men are the main breadwinners, still dominates here. Other research, though based on less adequate data, has also found a wealth gap between genders in the United States. Complementary evidence on income inequalities between mothers and fathers have additionally been found in many countries around the world, including China, Japan, Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Gender-based wealth inequality as a result of parenthood may be weaker in more egalitarian societies, such as Sweden. Wealth inequalities between mothers and fathers – and, more generally, between women and men, even within married couples – are stronger in countries in which women and men do not have equal legal status. In Ghana, for example, where women’s contributions to marital assets are not recognised, married women own only about 20% of household assets. Similar inequality exists in some parts of India. By contrast, in Ecuador, where women’s legal status is more equal to men’s, wealth inequalities within married couples are negligible. Economic well-being of women and men The finding that, in relatively gender-equal Germany, women end up with less personal wealth after becoming mothers as compared to both childless women and to men suggests the need for a proactive government response. Currently, ambiguous policies continue to hinder female employment. One approach for tackling mothers’ economic disadvantages is to encourage maternal full-time employment, for instance, by providing better access to childcare. Recent policy reforms in Germany toward this goal may decrease disadvantages in the future. But wealth accumulation is a slow process, and these changes will take time to have any effect. In the meantime, mothers will continue to struggle to save up for that rainy day. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why mothers are less wealthy than women without children

The members of Germany&#39;s second-biggest party have in their high-stakes referendum approved a plan to join Chancellor Angela Merkel&#39;s coalition, German media reported Sunday.

Quoting unnamed party sources, German public broadcaster ZDF and Bild daily said the Social Democratic Party&#39;s rank and file voted &quot;yes&quot; to a new partnership with Merkel&#39;s conservatives.

The party&#39;s leadership is due to announce the results shortly.

The make or break vote was the last hurdle in the way of Merkel&#39;s fourth term in office and essentially ends a political stalemate that has plagued the country since September&#39;s inconclusive elections.

Stung by their worst post-war results, the SPD had initially ruled out another four years under Merkel&#39;s shadow.&nbsp;

But after Merkel&#39;s attempt to cobble together a government with two smaller parties failed, the SPD relented while promising its more than 460,000 members the final say on any coalition deal.

The members of Germany's second-biggest party have in their high-stakes referendum approved a plan to join Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition, German media reported Sunday

The members of Germany's second-biggest party have in their high-stakes referendum approved a plan to join Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition, German media reported Sunday. Quoting unnamed party sources, German public broadcaster ZDF and Bild daily said the Social Democratic Party's rank and file voted "yes" to a new partnership with Merkel's conservatives. The party's leadership is due to announce the results shortly. The make or break vote was the last hurdle in the way of Merkel's fourth term in office and essentially ends a political stalemate that has plagued the country since September's inconclusive elections. Stung by their worst post-war results, the SPD had initially ruled out another four years under Merkel's shadow. But after Merkel's attempt to cobble together a government with two smaller parties failed, the SPD relented while promising its more than 460,000 members the final say on any coalition deal.

Germany's SPD approve new coalition with Merkel: Media

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday appealed to fellow members of her Christian Democratic Union to back a coalition agreement with centre-left Social Democrats, insisting that the new government would not allow new taxes or new public debt.

Merkel also underscored the need to rejuvenate the European Union, saying Europe needed to be a true player in global affairs to be taken seriously.

Merkel also underscored the need to rejuvenate the EU

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday appealed to fellow members of her Christian Democratic Union to back a coalition agreement with centre-left Social Democrats, insisting that the new government would not allow new taxes or new public debt. Merkel also underscored the need to rejuvenate the European Union, saying Europe needed to be a true player in global affairs to be taken seriously.

Germany's Merkel vows to avoid tax increases, new debt

The 23rd edition of Winter Olympics is in its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-as-winter-olympics-bid-farewell-what-legacy-will-it-leave-33793">final phase</a>. Norway, the all-time favourites, is leading the medal tally at Pyeongchang.&nbsp; 
 
Norway is also the most successful nation in the history of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-as-winter-olympics-bid-farewell-what-legacy-will-it-leave-33793">winter sports</a> till now. 
 
The ongoing Olympics is one of the most controversial Olympics ever, from doping scandal to nation&#39;s rivalry, everything was encompassed. 
 
Russia, a very strong competitor was banned by IOC&nbsp;from participating.&nbsp;All thanks to Grigory Rodchenkov, the whistleblower, who revealed the conspiracy of &quot;state-sponsored&quot; <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-again-suffers-doping-allegations-here-is-history-of-russian-doping-scandal-33344">doping in Russia</a> during 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

<div style="background:#eee;border:1px solid #ccc;padding:5px 10px;">What is IOC? 
International Olympic Committee is international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation which is the authority responsible for the Olympic Games</div>

<div style="background:#eee;border:1px solid #ccc;padding:5px 10px;">What is state-sponsored doping? 
State-sponsored doping when the whole scandal is planned and operated under the supervision of the government</div>

 
Initially barred from 2018 Olympics but laterwards some &#39;clean&#39; athletes were allowed to take part as a neutral, not representing Russia but participation under the Olympic flag as Olympic athletes from Russia (OAR).

Due to all <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-again-suffers-doping-allegations-here-is-history-of-russian-doping-scandal-33344">the allegations</a> and continuous scrutiny, Russia&#39;s performance got hampered. 
 
Apart from Russia, even the USA and Germany is not performing up to the mark. Both of the countries failed to give tough competition to Norway. 
 
Norway entered at the Pyeongchang Olympics with 109 athletes and the team USA arrived with 242 athletes but Norway earned almost twice the number of medals and also tied with Germany for the most gold medals.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/norway%20(2)-20180224072922.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Norway (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Sometimes, it is surprising that, how a country with a population of five million, is climbing past nations which has a comparatively high population, sound infrastructure and facilities. 
 
It is due to compilation of multiple&nbsp;reasons, first, in Norway sports facilities have formed part of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/winter-olympics-norway-leads-medal-tally-with-36-medals-33822">Norwegian public</a> health policies to increase physical activity among children and teenagers. In recent years, large sums of public money were spent on promoting sports facilities. 
 
Norway&#39;s sports philosophy is &quot;sport for all&quot; that helped the youth to get involved in all type of sports and flourish a future. 
 
Also, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/winter-olympics-norway-leads-medal-tally-with-36-medals-33822">Norway</a> provides free health care, which helps to keep young athletic talent in a good shape. 
 
Norwegian skier Ragnhild Mowinckel said, &quot;The culture and the environment we grow up in, it&rsquo;s great for us.&quot; 
 
Nearly half of population in Norway is the member of Norwegian Sports Federation. Three out of four Norwegian children regularly take part in sporting activities. Also, the government allocates 90 and 95 per cent of its revenues to the Sports Federation. 
 
The athletes excel majorly in winter sports. Some of the sports where Norway has been dominant for many years are speed-skaters, biathlon and ski jumpers and also in alpine skiers, curling and ice hockey Norway is slowly emerging as a champion. 
 
Though Norway is a small country, still it is sports enthusiast nations where sporting is considered as paramount.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/skiing%20in%20norway-20180224071833.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Skiing in Norway is considered as first love. (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Norway enjoys a pleasant weather throughout the year and the average coldest temperature ranges around - 3-degree Celsius which is quite comfortable to enjoy and pursue winter sports. 
 
Skiing in Norway is impossible to miss but naturally is not possible for a country to be covered with feet of snow for the whole year. Hence, to fulfil the nation&#39;s skiing obsession, the government is coming up with world&#39;s largest indoor winter sports facility in the Oslo region.

The project is under construction but is expected to finish by the year 2019. The centre is not just for Norway&#39;s elite athletes, but for the whole community. 
 
In the ongoing games, Norway leads the medal table with a maximum number of medals, currently sits at the top with 38 medals and there are chances that it might increase. 
 
The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-as-winter-olympics-bid-farewell-what-legacy-will-it-leave-33793">Pyeongchang Olympics</a> is about to end and it seems, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/winter-olympics-norway-leads-medal-tally-with-36-medals-33822">Norway</a> will be the ultimate champions again, leaving behind the rest of the world.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Norway, a nation with population of five million leads the medal table with a maximum number of medals, currently sits at the top with 38 medals leaving behind rest of the other teams

The 23rd edition of Winter Olympics is in its final phase. Norway, the all-time favourites, is leading the medal tally at Pyeongchang. Norway is also the most successful nation in the history of winter sports till now. The ongoing Olympics is one of the most controversial Olympics ever, from doping scandal to nation's rivalry, everything was encompassed. Russia, a very strong competitor was banned by IOC from participating. All thanks to Grigory Rodchenkov, the whistleblower, who revealed the conspiracy of "state-sponsored" doping in Russia during 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. What is IOC? International Olympic Committee is international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation which is the authority responsible for the Olympic Games What is state-sponsored doping? State-sponsored doping when the whole scandal is planned and operated under the supervision of the government Initially barred from 2018 Olympics but laterwards some 'clean' athletes were allowed to take part as a neutral, not representing Russia but participation under the Olympic flag as Olympic athletes from Russia (OAR). Due to all the allegations and continuous scrutiny, Russia's performance got hampered. Apart from Russia, even the USA and Germany is not performing up to the mark. Both of the countries failed to give tough competition to Norway. Norway entered at the Pyeongchang Olympics with 109 athletes and the team USA arrived with 242 athletes but Norway earned almost twice the number of medals and also tied with Germany for the most gold medals. Norway (Others) × Sometimes, it is surprising that, how a country with a population of five million, is climbing past nations which has a comparatively high population, sound infrastructure and facilities. It is due to compilation of multiple reasons, first, in Norway sports facilities have formed part of Norwegian public health policies to increase physical activity among children and teenagers. In recent years, large sums of public money were spent on promoting sports facilities. Norway's sports philosophy is "sport for all" that helped the youth to get involved in all type of sports and flourish a future. Also, Norway provides free health care, which helps to keep young athletic talent in a good shape. Norwegian skier Ragnhild Mowinckel said, "The culture and the environment we grow up in, it’s great for us." Nearly half of population in Norway is the member of Norwegian Sports Federation. Three out of four Norwegian children regularly take part in sporting activities. Also, the government allocates 90 and 95 per cent of its revenues to the Sports Federation. The athletes excel majorly in winter sports. Some of the sports where Norway has been dominant for many years are speed-skaters, biathlon and ski jumpers and also in alpine skiers, curling and ice hockey Norway is slowly emerging as a champion. Though Norway is a small country, still it is sports enthusiast nations where sporting is considered as paramount. Skiing in Norway is considered as first love. (Others) × Norway enjoys a pleasant weather throughout the year and the average coldest temperature ranges around - 3-degree Celsius which is quite comfortable to enjoy and pursue winter sports. Skiing in Norway is impossible to miss but naturally is not possible for a country to be covered with feet of snow for the whole year. Hence, to fulfil the nation's skiing obsession, the government is coming up with world's largest indoor winter sports facility in the Oslo region. The project is under construction but is expected to finish by the year 2019. The centre is not just for Norway's elite athletes, but for the whole community. In the ongoing games, Norway leads the medal table with a maximum number of medals, currently sits at the top with 38 medals and there are chances that it might increase. The Pyeongchang Olympics is about to end and it seems, Norway will be the ultimate champions again, leaving behind the rest of the world. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Norway outplays US, Germany at Winter Olympics, here is why

In a bid to control air pollution a German court is now considering banning diesel cars in its cities. Experts believe that the move, if materialises, may hamper the country&#39;s powerful auto industry.

Germany&#39;s Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig will announce its decision later today after hearing an appeal by two German states.

Some of the preliminary court cases were initiated by the group &#39;Environmental Action Germany&#39;. The group has often blamed the government for putting automakers&#39; interests before public health.

Germany, among other countries, has long been pressurised by the European Union to tackle increasing air pollution.

The country has recently been working on a series of measures to reduce harmful emissions such as promoting the use of electric vehicles and public transport, et cetera.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the ban is also believed to wreak havoc on industries and services that are heavily diesel reliant.&nbsp;

Germany, among other countries, has long been pressurised by the European Union to tackle increasing air pollution

In a bid to control air pollution a German court is now considering banning diesel cars in its cities. Experts believe that the move, if materialises, may hamper the country's powerful auto industry. Germany's Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig will announce its decision later today after hearing an appeal by two German states. Some of the preliminary court cases were initiated by the group 'Environmental Action Germany'. The group has often blamed the government for putting automakers' interests before public health. Germany, among other countries, has long been pressurised by the European Union to tackle increasing air pollution. The country has recently been working on a series of measures to reduce harmful emissions such as promoting the use of electric vehicles and public transport, et cetera. On the other hand, the ban is also believed to wreak havoc on industries and services that are heavily diesel reliant.

German court considers banning diesel cars to tackle pollution

German Chancellor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-president-abdulla-yameen-backs-chinas-obor-signs-mou-26163">Angela Merkel today questioned</a> China&#39;s intention in the Balkans over its move to further &quot;free trade&quot; agreements.

China has invested <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/over-trump-xi-meet-china-seeks-us-approval-for-obor-23916">heavily in crisis-hit Greece </a>with an aim to purchase the Piraeus port, also in Macedonia, the communist state has been helping to develop highways.

The German Chancellor said: &quot;I have no objections to the fact that China wants to trade ... and to invest,&quot;&nbsp;adding, &quot;We are committed to free trade.&quot;

However, she stressed that &quot;The question is ... are the economic relations being linked with political questions it must be &quot;reciprocal&quot; and that openness must come &quot;not just from one side but from all sides&quot;.

China has already made its intention clear over its One Belt, One Road(OBOR) initiative which strives to link Asia with Europe to create a single market for the Communist state, however, several European countries including India fear it would also mean&nbsp;China would seek to softly subvert the poor countries in its ambitious march.

Chinese companies are reportedly on a buying spree to acquire ports across Europe. Last month, two Chinese companies finalised the takeover of a terminal in &nbsp;Zeebrugge, a port in Belgium.

Chinese firms have also finalised similar deals in Italy and Spain.

French President Macron on a recent China visit had warned that some European countries are much more open to Chinese interests, &quot;sometimes at the expense of a European interest&quot;.

German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel echoing Merkel&#39;s thoughts had warned earlier that &quot;if we don&#39;t develop a European strategy regarding China, then China will succeed in dividing Europe&quot;.

Ahead of British PM Theresa May&#39;s visit last month, China&#39;s foreign ministry had said the Belt and Road initiative (OBOR) has &quot;huge potential&quot; and &quot;broad prospects for China and Britain.&quot;

The British PM, however, sidestepped the issue and did not sign any agreement related to the Silk route project.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker too had last year weighed into the debate warning about foreign purchases of ports, without naming China.

China has invested heavily in crisis-hit Greece with an aim to purchase the Piraeus port

German Chancellor Angela Merkel today questioned China's intention in the Balkans over its move to further "free trade" agreements. China has invested heavily in crisis-hit Greece with an aim to purchase the Piraeus port, also in Macedonia, the communist state has been helping to develop highways. The German Chancellor said: "I have no objections to the fact that China wants to trade ... and to invest," adding, "We are committed to free trade." However, she stressed that "The question is ... are the economic relations being linked with political questions it must be "reciprocal" and that openness must come "not just from one side but from all sides". China has already made its intention clear over its One Belt, One Road(OBOR) initiative which strives to link Asia with Europe to create a single market for the Communist state, however, several European countries including India fear it would also mean China would seek to softly subvert the poor countries in its ambitious march. Chinese companies are reportedly on a buying spree to acquire ports across Europe. Last month, two Chinese companies finalised the takeover of a terminal in Zeebrugge, a port in Belgium. Chinese firms have also finalised similar deals in Italy and Spain. French President Macron on a recent China visit had warned that some European countries are much more open to Chinese interests, "sometimes at the expense of a European interest". German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel echoing Merkel's thoughts had warned earlier that "if we don't develop a European strategy regarding China, then China will succeed in dividing Europe". Ahead of British PM Theresa May's visit last month, China's foreign ministry had said the Belt and Road initiative (OBOR) has "huge potential" and "broad prospects for China and Britain." The British PM, however, sidestepped the issue and did not sign any agreement related to the Silk route project. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker too had last year weighed into the debate warning about foreign purchases of ports, without naming China.

OBOR row: Now, German Chancellor Merkel raises doubts on China's investments in Europe

Members of Germany&#39;s Social Democrats (SPD) start voting on whether their party should enter a new coalition with Angela Merkel&#39;s conservatives in a postal ballot on Tuesday which could scupper the chancellor&#39;s fourth term.&nbsp;

If the SPD&#39;s nearly half a million members reject the deal, a new election or a minority government in Europe&#39;s biggest economy are likely. Both would be a first for post-war Germany, which has been without a formal government for nearly five months.&nbsp;

The result of the vote, which runs to March 2, is wide open and will be announced on March 4. Polls indicate a majority of SPD supporters back the deal, but in the absence of any internal surveys it is unclear whether its members feel the same way.

The party leadership and many in its senior ranks want the coalition to go ahead, but there is also strong opposition to the deal within the SPD. The party is at record lows in opinion polls and embroiled in a messy leadership switch after a personal row between former leader Martin Schulz and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel.&nbsp;

Opponents to the deal blame their party&#39;s role in a &#39;grand coalition&#39;&nbsp;from 2013 to 2017 for their worst performance since World War Two in the Sept. 24 election.&nbsp;

In January, a narrow majority of SPD delegates at a special congress backed entering formal coalition talks with Merkel.

SPD leaders - Olaf Scholz, the interim leader, and Andrea Nahles who is expected to take over in April - are touring the country to convince members to approve the deal.

They are stressing how they got Merkel to concede the two top ministries, finance and foreign, to the SPD and on Sunday, a poll showed that leading SPD mayors favoured joining a coalition.&nbsp;

However, the substance of the coalition deal falls short for many in several areas, including health and migrant policy.&nbsp;

The vibrant Jusos youth wing of the party and leftwingers are on their own tour, fighting for a &quot;No Grand Coalition&quot; vote and their message has resonated with many.

A campaign to get people to join the party and vote against a coalition succeeded in boosting membership by about 24,000 to almost 464,000.&nbsp;

It is unclear which side the latest slump in the polls will help. An INSA poll released on Monday showed the SPD had fallen to 15.5 percent, below the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), on 16 percent, for the first time.&nbsp;

One of the SPD&#39;s deputy leaders, Thorsten Schaefer- Guembel, told Germany&#39;s SWR radio that the SPD&#39;s situation was &quot;serious&quot;.

&quot;But if we remember our strengths, sharpen the substance (of our policies) and end the debate over personalities, then we are, I think, on a good path,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

The result of the vote, which runs to March 2, is wide open and will be announced on March 4

Members of Germany's Social Democrats (SPD) start voting on whether their party should enter a new coalition with Angela Merkel's conservatives in a postal ballot on Tuesday which could scupper the chancellor's fourth term. If the SPD's nearly half a million members reject the deal, a new election or a minority government in Europe's biggest economy are likely. Both would be a first for post-war Germany, which has been without a formal government for nearly five months. The result of the vote, which runs to March 2, is wide open and will be announced on March 4. Polls indicate a majority of SPD supporters back the deal, but in the absence of any internal surveys it is unclear whether its members feel the same way. The party leadership and many in its senior ranks want the coalition to go ahead, but there is also strong opposition to the deal within the SPD. The party is at record lows in opinion polls and embroiled in a messy leadership switch after a personal row between former leader Martin Schulz and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel. Opponents to the deal blame their party's role in a 'grand coalition' from 2013 to 2017 for their worst performance since World War Two in the Sept. 24 election. In January, a narrow majority of SPD delegates at a special congress backed entering formal coalition talks with Merkel. SPD leaders - Olaf Scholz, the interim leader, and Andrea Nahles who is expected to take over in April - are touring the country to convince members to approve the deal. They are stressing how they got Merkel to concede the two top ministries, finance and foreign, to the SPD and on Sunday, a poll showed that leading SPD mayors favoured joining a coalition. However, the substance of the coalition deal falls short for many in several areas, including health and migrant policy. The vibrant Jusos youth wing of the party and leftwingers are on their own tour, fighting for a "No Grand Coalition" vote and their message has resonated with many. A campaign to get people to join the party and vote against a coalition succeeded in boosting membership by about 24,000 to almost 464,000. It is unclear which side the latest slump in the polls will help. An INSA poll released on Monday showed the SPD had fallen to 15.5 percent, below the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), on 16 percent, for the first time. One of the SPD's deputy leaders, Thorsten Schaefer- Guembel, told Germany's SWR radio that the SPD's situation was "serious". "But if we remember our strengths, sharpen the substance (of our policies) and end the debate over personalities, then we are, I think, on a good path," he said.

German Social Democrats begin vote on Merkel deal, result due March 4

Canada&#39;s Justin Kripps and Germany&#39;s Francesco Friedrich won gold medals after a dramatic dead-heat in the men&#39;s Olympic two-man bobsleigh.

Latvia&#39;s Oskars Melbardis took bronze behind the Canadian and German crews who were involved in the first dead-heat in the event since Nagano in 1998.

Ahead of the final run at the Olympic Sliding Centre, the fastest five pilots were separated by less than a quarter of a second in blisteringly quick conditions due to low temperatures.

Kripps, who tops the world bobsleigh driver rankings, had run three good heats, consistently placing first or second, and he needed to pull out another one to secure his first Olympic gold medal.

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19FEB Bobsleigh -2-man 
2/19 봅슬레이 - 남자 2인승 
 
Gold???? Canada / KRIPPS Justin &amp; KOPACZ Alexander 
Gold???? Germany / FRIEDRICH Francesco &amp; MARGIS Thorsten 
Bronze???? Latvia / MELBARDIS Oskars &amp; STRENGA Janis 
 
Congratulations! 축하합니다???? <a href="https://t.co/JxcxYCTrTh">pic.twitter.com/JxcxYCTrTh</a>
&mdash; PyeongChang 2018 (@pyeongchang2018) <a href="https://twitter.com/pyeongchang2018/status/965587750983380992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Four-times world champion Friedrich set the fastest time but Kripps, in the final run of the competition, exactly matched his mark of three minutes 16.86 seconds.

&quot;It&#39;s great. It&#39;s two more people who are as happy as we are,&quot; Kripps told reporters. &quot;They&#39;re amazing competitors, we&#39;ve been friends and rivals for years so I couldn&#39;t be happier.&quot;

Germany equalled Switzerland&#39;s Olympic record of five golds in the event.

&nbsp;

Germany equalled Switzerland's Olympic record of five golds in the event

Canada's Justin Kripps and Germany's Francesco Friedrich won gold medals after a dramatic dead-heat in the men's Olympic two-man bobsleigh. Latvia's Oskars Melbardis took bronze behind the Canadian and German crews who were involved in the first dead-heat in the event since Nagano in 1998. Ahead of the final run at the Olympic Sliding Centre, the fastest five pilots were separated by less than a quarter of a second in blisteringly quick conditions due to low temperatures. Kripps, who tops the world bobsleigh driver rankings, had run three good heats, consistently placing first or second, and he needed to pull out another one to secure his first Olympic gold medal. 19FEB Bobsleigh -2-man 2/19 봅슬레이 - 남자 2인승 Gold???? Canada / KRIPPS Justin & KOPACZ Alexander Gold???? Germany / FRIEDRICH Francesco & MARGIS Thorsten Bronze???? Latvia / MELBARDIS Oskars & STRENGA Janis Congratulations! 축하합니다???? pic.twitter.com/JxcxYCTrTh — PyeongChang 2018 (@pyeongchang2018) February 19, 2018 × Four-times world champion Friedrich set the fastest time but Kripps, in the final run of the competition, exactly matched his mark of three minutes 16.86 seconds. "It's great. It's two more people who are as happy as we are," Kripps told reporters. "They're amazing competitors, we've been friends and rivals for years so I couldn't be happier." Germany equalled Switzerland's Olympic record of five golds in the event.

Bobsleigh: Canada, Germany in golden dead-heat

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Saturday he favoured easing some sanctions imposed on Russia if a ceasefire could be implemented in eastern Ukraine with the help of UN peacekeepers.

Gabriel said it was &quot;not realistic&quot; to insist on full implementation of the Minsk peace accords before offering some sanctions relief.&nbsp;

He said he realised his view differed from the official position - that sanctions could only be eased when the Minsk peace accord was fully implemented - but said it was in the world`s interests to break the current impasse.

A Russia-backed separatist insurgency led to fighting in eastern Ukraine that has killed around 10,000 people since 2014.&nbsp;

While the Kremlin denies providing military support for separatists there, the European Union and the United States have imposed sanctions on Russia for backing the rebels and for annexing Crimea from Ukraine.

Full-scale combat largely ended in 2015 after France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine sponsored a ceasefire agreement in the Belarus capital Minsk, but casualties are still reported on a near-daily basis.

Russia last proposed bringing UN&nbsp;peacekeeping forces into eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;

Gabriel said that, while there were fundamental differences over that plan, it was &quot;one of the few realistic options&quot; for trying to end the violence, and Germany would push for progress on it at the United Nations.

&quot;We need progress urgently because the world is becoming more dangerous,&quot; Gabriel told a meeting also attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of a Security Conference in Munich.

Russia was an indispensable partner in global efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, Gabriel added, citing North Korea`s efforts to develop a nuclear capability.&nbsp;

Gabriel, a former economy minister, and Lavrov said they aimed to expand bilateral trade, which rose 20 percent last year.

The two ministers are due to hold a face-to-face meeting later on Saturday, but plans for a four-way meeting on the Ukraine crisis on Friday also including France and Ukraine collapsed after a scheduling conflict.

Gabriel also defended plans for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that would connect Germany and Russia under the Baltic Sea, a project bitterly opposed by Poland, Ukraine and Baltic states on concerns it would increase Europe`s dependence on Russian gas and could cut off Ukraine from gas transit fees.

He said Germany intended to ensure continued use of the existing transit pipeline through Ukraine, and he believed Russia was open to that possibility.

The United States last month said it viewed Nord Stream 2 as a threat to Europe`s energy security.&nbsp;

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Saturday he favoured easing some sanctions imposed on Russia if a ceasefire could be implemented in eastern Ukraine with the help of UN peacekeepers

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Saturday he favoured easing some sanctions imposed on Russia if a ceasefire could be implemented in eastern Ukraine with the help of UN peacekeepers. Gabriel said it was "not realistic" to insist on full implementation of the Minsk peace accords before offering some sanctions relief. He said he realised his view differed from the official position - that sanctions could only be eased when the Minsk peace accord was fully implemented - but said it was in the world`s interests to break the current impasse. A Russia-backed separatist insurgency led to fighting in eastern Ukraine that has killed around 10,000 people since 2014. While the Kremlin denies providing military support for separatists there, the European Union and the United States have imposed sanctions on Russia for backing the rebels and for annexing Crimea from Ukraine. Full-scale combat largely ended in 2015 after France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine sponsored a ceasefire agreement in the Belarus capital Minsk, but casualties are still reported on a near-daily basis. Russia last proposed bringing UN peacekeeping forces into eastern Ukraine. Gabriel said that, while there were fundamental differences over that plan, it was "one of the few realistic options" for trying to end the violence, and Germany would push for progress on it at the United Nations. "We need progress urgently because the world is becoming more dangerous," Gabriel told a meeting also attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of a Security Conference in Munich. Russia was an indispensable partner in global efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, Gabriel added, citing North Korea`s efforts to develop a nuclear capability. Gabriel, a former economy minister, and Lavrov said they aimed to expand bilateral trade, which rose 20 percent last year. The two ministers are due to hold a face-to-face meeting later on Saturday, but plans for a four-way meeting on the Ukraine crisis on Friday also including France and Ukraine collapsed after a scheduling conflict. Gabriel also defended plans for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that would connect Germany and Russia under the Baltic Sea, a project bitterly opposed by Poland, Ukraine and Baltic states on concerns it would increase Europe`s dependence on Russian gas and could cut off Ukraine from gas transit fees. He said Germany intended to ensure continued use of the existing transit pipeline through Ukraine, and he believed Russia was open to that possibility. The United States last month said it viewed Nord Stream 2 as a threat to Europe`s energy security.

Ukraine progress should soften sanctions on Russia - Germany FM

British Prime Minister Theresa May travels to Berlin on Friday to meet German leader Angela Merkel, hoping to overcome near-deadlock in her attempts to negotiate a Brexit deal with the European Union.

German officials say they are frustrated with Britain&#39;s lack of clarity about what it wants after the split, including what new customs regime it wants and how closely it will stay aligned to the EU&#39;s rules for goods and services.

Earlier this week, Germany called on Britain to offer more &quot;concrete&quot; plans.

While Britain&#39;s politicians are consumed by Brexit, Germany is more preoccupied by the struggle to form the new government. Merkel is struggling to coax the Social Democrats to join her conservatives in a renewed &quot;grand coalition&quot;.

German officials have said there is no reason to expect Berlin to change its stance on Brexit when a new coalition government is finally formed.

The future of the euro zone and the governance reforms proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron are seen as more pressing items for Germany than Brexit. May will be the third European prime minister Merkel receives on Friday.

German officials believe that a failure to reach a deal with London before Britain&#39;s formal departure from the EU in March 2019 will have far more serious consequences for Britain than for the rest of the bloc.

Meanwhile, May&#39;s Conservative government remains split over what sort of relationship Britain should have with the EU.

Eurosceptics in her party, such as her foreign minister Boris Johnson, are putting pressure on May to move Britain away from EU rules. Others, including finance minister Philip Hammond, favour as little disruption as possible.

May is under growing pressure to agree a transition deal with the EU by the end of next month to reassure businesses worried that Britain could leave the bloc without a deal next year.

After Berlin, May will travel to a security conference in Munich on Saturday where she will give a speech on future security cooperation between Britain and the EU.

The British government, which has the largest defence budget among EU countries, hopes that offering to keep some of its security arrangements with the bloc will help it win concessions on future trading relations.

A Downing Street source said May would discuss security issues with Merkel on Friday.

German officials say they are frustrated with Britain's lack of clarity about what it wants after the split, including what new customs regime it wants and how closely it will stay aligned to the EU's rules for goods and services

British Prime Minister Theresa May travels to Berlin on Friday to meet German leader Angela Merkel, hoping to overcome near-deadlock in her attempts to negotiate a Brexit deal with the European Union. German officials say they are frustrated with Britain's lack of clarity about what it wants after the split, including what new customs regime it wants and how closely it will stay aligned to the EU's rules for goods and services. Earlier this week, Germany called on Britain to offer more "concrete" plans. While Britain's politicians are consumed by Brexit, Germany is more preoccupied by the struggle to form the new government. Merkel is struggling to coax the Social Democrats to join her conservatives in a renewed "grand coalition". German officials have said there is no reason to expect Berlin to change its stance on Brexit when a new coalition government is finally formed. The future of the euro zone and the governance reforms proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron are seen as more pressing items for Germany than Brexit. May will be the third European prime minister Merkel receives on Friday. German officials believe that a failure to reach a deal with London before Britain's formal departure from the EU in March 2019 will have far more serious consequences for Britain than for the rest of the bloc. Meanwhile, May's Conservative government remains split over what sort of relationship Britain should have with the EU. Eurosceptics in her party, such as her foreign minister Boris Johnson, are putting pressure on May to move Britain away from EU rules. Others, including finance minister Philip Hammond, favour as little disruption as possible. May is under growing pressure to agree a transition deal with the EU by the end of next month to reassure businesses worried that Britain could leave the bloc without a deal next year. After Berlin, May will travel to a security conference in Munich on Saturday where she will give a speech on future security cooperation between Britain and the EU. The British government, which has the largest defence budget among EU countries, hopes that offering to keep some of its security arrangements with the bloc will help it win concessions on future trading relations. A Downing Street source said May would discuss security issues with Merkel on Friday.

UK PM Theresa May heads to Berlin to face tough German line on Brexit

Germany&#39;s Social Democrats (SPD) voted on Sunday to begin formal coalition talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel&#39;s conservatives, moving Europe&#39;s economic powerhouse one step closer to a stable government after months of political deadlock.

SPD delegates voted by 362 to 279, with one abstention, to press ahead with negotiations. The centre-left party&#39;s leaders had agreed a preliminary coalition blueprint with Merkel&#39;s conservative bloc earlier this month.&nbsp;

A recount was held after an initial show of hands was too close for the SPD official in charge of the count to call.&nbsp;

Just before delegates voted, SPD leader Martin Schulz made an impassioned plea for a &#39;yes&#39;, telling them their decision was being watched across Germany and Europe.

&quot;One must not rule at any price,&quot; Schulz said. &quot;But neither should one be prepared to pay any price to decline to rule.&quot;

Coalition talks are now expected to start this week, a step likely to be welcomed by Germany&#39;s partners in Europe, where Merkel has long played a leading role in economic and security affairs.

SPD party members will still get to vote on any final coalition deal that emerges, however.

Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday they wanted to deepen bilateral cooperation and give the European Union a fresh push towards closer integration.

The SPD and conservative blocs, which both bled support to the far right in the Sept. 24 election, struck their preliminary deal after exploratory talks on renewing their ruling alliance that took office in 2013.&nbsp;

SPD critics, including the party&#39;s youth wing leader Kevin Kuehnert, argued the exploratory blueprint did not bear enough of the SPD&#39;s hallmarks.

The motion passed by delegates on Sunday opening the way for negotiations included language on obtaining improvements to the blueprint that would see conservative concessions on labour, health and migration policies.

&quot;We will fight for further improvements in the coalition negotiations if we can continue the talks,&quot; Schulz earlier told the congress in Bonn, the capital of the former West Germany where late SPD chancellors Willy Brandt and Helmut Schmidt earned reputations as international statesmen.

Leading conservatives have rejected SPD demands for major concessions.

The centre-left party's leaders had agreed to a preliminary coalition blueprint with Merkel's conservative bloc earlier this month.

Germany's Social Democrats (SPD) voted on Sunday to begin formal coalition talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives, moving Europe's economic powerhouse one step closer to a stable government after months of political deadlock. SPD delegates voted by 362 to 279, with one abstention, to press ahead with negotiations. The centre-left party's leaders had agreed a preliminary coalition blueprint with Merkel's conservative bloc earlier this month. A recount was held after an initial show of hands was too close for the SPD official in charge of the count to call. Just before delegates voted, SPD leader Martin Schulz made an impassioned plea for a 'yes', telling them their decision was being watched across Germany and Europe. "One must not rule at any price," Schulz said. "But neither should one be prepared to pay any price to decline to rule." Coalition talks are now expected to start this week, a step likely to be welcomed by Germany's partners in Europe, where Merkel has long played a leading role in economic and security affairs. SPD party members will still get to vote on any final coalition deal that emerges, however. Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday they wanted to deepen bilateral cooperation and give the European Union a fresh push towards closer integration. The SPD and conservative blocs, which both bled support to the far right in the Sept. 24 election, struck their preliminary deal after exploratory talks on renewing their ruling alliance that took office in 2013. SPD critics, including the party's youth wing leader Kevin Kuehnert, argued the exploratory blueprint did not bear enough of the SPD's hallmarks. The motion passed by delegates on Sunday opening the way for negotiations included language on obtaining improvements to the blueprint that would see conservative concessions on labour, health and migration policies. "We will fight for further improvements in the coalition negotiations if we can continue the talks," Schulz earlier told the congress in Bonn, the capital of the former West Germany where late SPD chancellors Willy Brandt and Helmut Schmidt earned reputations as international statesmen. Leading conservatives have rejected SPD demands for major concessions.

Germany's SPD votes for coalition talks with Angela Merkel

Germany&#39;s KBA automotive watchdog has detected illicit emission-control software in Audi&#39;s latest Euro-6 diesel models and has ordered a recall of 127,000 vehicles, Bild am Sonntag reported.

Audi, a unit of Volkswagen, said in a statement that the models had been included in a voluntary recall of 850,000 diesel vehicles with V6 and V8 TDI engines announced in July.

&quot;The engine control software for the vehicles in question will be completely revised, tested and submitted to the KBA for approval&quot;, Audi said in its statement.

It did not confirm more details of KBA&#39;s request.

Bild am Sonntag said road transport authority KBA had told Audi to respond by Feb. 2 on how it plans to update vehicle software controlling emissions, making sure the cars are unable to illegally manipulate emission controls.

Audi said it has been examining its diesel-fuelled cars for potential irregularities for months in close cooperation with the KBA.

&quot;As part of this systematic and detailed assessment, the KBA has now also issued a notice regarding Audi models with V6 TDI engines,&quot; the carmaker added.

In November, Audi announced a recall of 5,000 cars in Europe for a software fix after discovering they emitted too much nitrogen oxide, the polluting gas that parent Volkswagen concealed from US regulators in its devastating 2015 &quot;dieselgate&quot; scandal.

Volkswagen was found in 2015 to have illegally manipulated engine software so that vehicles would meet nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions standards in laboratory testing but not in real-world conditions, where they could emit up to 40 times the permitted levels.

Several Audi models were affected and Audi has been accused in media reports of having devised the so-called defeat devices years earlier but not to have installed them in its vehicles at that time. Audi and Volkswagen have never commented on the matter.

Germany's KBA automotive watchdog has detected illicit emission-control software in Audi's latest Euro-6 diesel models and has ordered a recall of 127,000 vehicles

Germany's KBA automotive watchdog has detected illicit emission-control software in Audi's latest Euro-6 diesel models and has ordered a recall of 127,000 vehicles, Bild am Sonntag reported. Audi, a unit of Volkswagen, said in a statement that the models had been included in a voluntary recall of 850,000 diesel vehicles with V6 and V8 TDI engines announced in July. "The engine control software for the vehicles in question will be completely revised, tested and submitted to the KBA for approval", Audi said in its statement. It did not confirm more details of KBA's request. Bild am Sonntag said road transport authority KBA had told Audi to respond by Feb. 2 on how it plans to update vehicle software controlling emissions, making sure the cars are unable to illegally manipulate emission controls. Audi said it has been examining its diesel-fuelled cars for potential irregularities for months in close cooperation with the KBA. "As part of this systematic and detailed assessment, the KBA has now also issued a notice regarding Audi models with V6 TDI engines," the carmaker added. In November, Audi announced a recall of 5,000 cars in Europe for a software fix after discovering they emitted too much nitrogen oxide, the polluting gas that parent Volkswagen concealed from US regulators in its devastating 2015 "dieselgate" scandal. Volkswagen was found in 2015 to have illegally manipulated engine software so that vehicles would meet nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions standards in laboratory testing but not in real-world conditions, where they could emit up to 40 times the permitted levels. Several Audi models were affected and Audi has been accused in media reports of having devised the so-called defeat devices years earlier but not to have installed them in its vehicles at that time. Audi and Volkswagen have never commented on the matter.

Audi ordered to recall 127,000 vehicles over emissions - Paper

Germany is leading the medal tally with 3 gold and 1 bronze. They grabbed two gold medals thanks to women&#39;s biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier and Andreas Wellinger pair of gold medals thanks to women&#39;s biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier and Andreas Wellinger.

But Norway and Netherlands bagged maximum medals and stands at number 1 and 2 respectively when it comes rank by total medals.

The Dutch vaulted up the medal leaderboard by sweeping the podium in the women&#39;s 3,000-meter speedskating competition while nabbing a silver in the men&#39;s short-track contest.

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Highlights Day 2 ❤ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PyeongChang2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PyeongChang2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> <a href="https://t.co/8rXe57Uc47">pic.twitter.com/8rXe57Uc47</a>
&mdash; Olympics (@Olympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics/status/962859516244115456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The United States is officially on the board thanks to 17-year-old Redmond Gerard&#39;s gold-medal finish in the men&#39;s slopestyle final at Phoenix Snow Park.

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11FEB Snowboard - Men&#39;s Slopestyle Final Results 
2/11 스노보드 - 남자 슬로프스타일 
 
Gold???? GERARD Redmond / USA???????? 
Silver???? PARROT Max / CAN???????? 
Bronze???? McMORRIS Mark / CAN???????? 
 
Congratulations! 축하합니다! <a href="https://t.co/6JlhDNG3aC">pic.twitter.com/6JlhDNG3aC</a>
&mdash; PyeongChang 2018 (@pyeongchang2018) <a href="https://twitter.com/pyeongchang2018/status/962516223228493826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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All eyes are on Russian athletes as they had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/doping-row-because-us-cant-beat-us-fairly-russia-fm-32533">faced doping criticism</a> ahead of 23rd Winter Games, they were even banned but the clean athletes were permitted to take part in the winter games.

The Olympic Athletes from Russia have won just one bronze medal but they are considered as one of the most challenging squads. Still, there is a long way to go let&#39;s see how Russia would come along after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/doping-row-because-us-cant-beat-us-fairly-russia-fm-32533">doping scandal</a>.

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Medal Tally till February 11. (Others)
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The most controversial squad, Democratic People Republik of Korea (North Korea) has not even opened their account and South Korea has bagged just one bronze medal.

One of the key events, women ice hockey, where unified Korean team has participated faced a tragic defeat in the first match by Switzerland team.

&nbsp;

Till Sunday, Germany had grabbed 3 gold and 1 bronze medals and Norway won maximum medals; 1 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze

Germany is leading the medal tally with 3 gold and 1 bronze. They grabbed two gold medals thanks to women's biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier and Andreas Wellinger pair of gold medals thanks to women's biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier and Andreas Wellinger. But Norway and Netherlands bagged maximum medals and stands at number 1 and 2 respectively when it comes rank by total medals. The Dutch vaulted up the medal leaderboard by sweeping the podium in the women's 3,000-meter speedskating competition while nabbing a silver in the men's short-track contest. Highlights Day 2 ❤ #PyeongChang2018 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/8rXe57Uc47 — Olympics (@Olympics) February 12, 2018 × The United States is officially on the board thanks to 17-year-old Redmond Gerard's gold-medal finish in the men's slopestyle final at Phoenix Snow Park. 11FEB Snowboard - Men's Slopestyle Final Results 2/11 스노보드 - 남자 슬로프스타일 Gold???? GERARD Redmond / USA???????? Silver???? PARROT Max / CAN???????? Bronze???? McMORRIS Mark / CAN???????? Congratulations! 축하합니다! pic.twitter.com/6JlhDNG3aC — PyeongChang 2018 (@pyeongchang2018) February 11, 2018 × All eyes are on Russian athletes as they had faced doping criticism ahead of 23rd Winter Games, they were even banned but the clean athletes were permitted to take part in the winter games. The Olympic Athletes from Russia have won just one bronze medal but they are considered as one of the most challenging squads. Still, there is a long way to go let's see how Russia would come along after the doping scandal. Medal Tally till February 11. (Others) × The most controversial squad, Democratic People Republik of Korea (North Korea) has not even opened their account and South Korea has bagged just one bronze medal. One of the key events, women ice hockey, where unified Korean team has participated faced a tragic defeat in the first match by Switzerland team.

Germany, Norway lead medals tally in Winter Games

A new World Cup event featuring eight leading athletics nations and intended to attract a wider audience to the sport will take place in London this year, British Athletics said on Monday.

Britain and the United States will compete along with South Africa, Poland, France, China, Germany and Jamaica in the inaugural World Cup from July 14-15 at London Stadium, venue for the 2012 Olympic athletics events and last year&#39;s world championships.

&quot;This is one of the exciting innovative events we are seeing in our sport and our thanks go to British Athletics and the Mayor of London for creating it and hosting it,&quot; International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President Sebastian Coe said in a statement.

&quot;We have 8 lanes, 8 top nations, 8 teams and a host of world class athletes lining up in each event to win the trophy and prize pot. This will be a fast-paced and exhilarating experience for athletes and fans.&quot;

One male and one female athlete from each nation will be selected for every field event and each track race up to 1500 metres, with the total prize pot set at $2 million over two evening sessions.

UK Athletics Chairman Richard Bowker said the World Cup event was an extension of the original idea to host a competition between Britain and the U.S.

Because other countries were keen to become involved an eight-country format was devised to extend the sport&#39;s reach to a new audience.

&quot;The two sessions will be in the evening, under lights with straight finals. There will be no heats or rounds so it should be even more exciting,&quot; he said, adding that it might become more than a one-off.

&quot;We hope this can become a major event. The best way to do that is to ensure the success of his first edition,&quot; he said.

Bowker defended the timing, which was criticised by British athlete Kelly Sotherton on social media for clashing with soccer&#39;s World Cup final and Wimbledon tennis finals.

&quot;We were obviously aware of the dates,&quot; said Bowker, pointing out that organisers were constrained by the stadium sharing arrangement with Premier League soccer club West Ham United.

&quot;There is limited availability. We know the World Cup Final happens in the afternoon, UK time, so we would say that everyone can come along afterwards. What a fantastic weekend of sport that will be.&quot;

Britain and the United States will compete along with South Africa, Poland, France, China, Germany and Jamaica in the inaugural World Cup from July 14-15 at London Stadium

A new World Cup event featuring eight leading athletics nations and intended to attract a wider audience to the sport will take place in London this year, British Athletics said on Monday. Britain and the United States will compete along with South Africa, Poland, France, China, Germany and Jamaica in the inaugural World Cup from July 14-15 at London Stadium, venue for the 2012 Olympic athletics events and last year's world championships. "This is one of the exciting innovative events we are seeing in our sport and our thanks go to British Athletics and the Mayor of London for creating it and hosting it," International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President Sebastian Coe said in a statement. "We have 8 lanes, 8 top nations, 8 teams and a host of world class athletes lining up in each event to win the trophy and prize pot. This will be a fast-paced and exhilarating experience for athletes and fans." One male and one female athlete from each nation will be selected for every field event and each track race up to 1500 metres, with the total prize pot set at $2 million over two evening sessions. UK Athletics Chairman Richard Bowker said the World Cup event was an extension of the original idea to host a competition between Britain and the U.S. Because other countries were keen to become involved an eight-country format was devised to extend the sport's reach to a new audience. "The two sessions will be in the evening, under lights with straight finals. There will be no heats or rounds so it should be even more exciting," he said, adding that it might become more than a one-off. "We hope this can become a major event. The best way to do that is to ensure the success of his first edition," he said. Bowker defended the timing, which was criticised by British athlete Kelly Sotherton on social media for clashing with soccer's World Cup final and Wimbledon tennis finals. "We were obviously aware of the dates," said Bowker, pointing out that organisers were constrained by the stadium sharing arrangement with Premier League soccer club West Ham United. "There is limited availability. We know the World Cup Final happens in the afternoon, UK time, so we would say that everyone can come along afterwards. What a fantastic weekend of sport that will be."

London to host inaugural eight-nation Athletics World Cup

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