Ter Stegen targets Germany win to silence Amsterdam neighbours in Netherlands clash
Marc-Andre ter Stegen wants Germany to leave the Johan Cruyff Arena with three Nations League points on Thursday — and with enough ammunition for him to answer his new Amsterdam neighbours. The Ajax goalkeeper will face the Netherlands at the stadium he now calls home, with local tradesmen already joking about how many Oranje goals he might concede.
The 34-year-old, who joined Ajax from Barcelona during the summer, is targeting a clean sheet as Germany begin their group campaign. A win would also give him the chance to return to his apartment with local bragging rights intact.
Home ground, away fixture
Ter Stegen said the prospect of playing an international in Ajax’s stadium gives the occasion an unusual personal edge.
“Everyone is looking forward to the match and I am pleased it is in my own living room,” he said. “Every workman who has been fitting things in my flat has said: ‘Let us see how many you let in.’ I want to walk away with my head high and wind them up afterwards.”
- Ter Stegen spent years in the stability of Barcelona before making the move to Amsterdam this summer.
- He placed his family’s wellbeing at the centre of the decision to join Ajax.
- His family are due to join him in the Dutch capital, a development he described with clear happiness.
- Thursday brings his first major international test at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where Germany meet the Netherlands.
Confidence restored at Ajax
The Germany keeper said a manager’s complete belief in him has helped him recover confidence following the transfer. He also stressed that calm and security away from football have a direct effect on his displays during matches.
Amsterdam’s international character, welcoming residents and manageable size have made the adjustment easier, he added. Ter Stegen lives centrally and is currently trying to buy a bicycle, seeing it as the most practical way to travel around the flat city rather than relying on a car.
“I am extremely pleased I made this choice,” Ter Stegen said. “Amsterdam is fairly compact, it is all flat and getting around is very easy. I am sorting out a bike at the moment because using a car is a little complicated. It is the ideal way to get about.”
Germany’s opening challenge
Ter Stegen expects an intriguing tactical contest against a Netherlands team also finding its footing under a new managerial approach. Germany arrive determined to open the group with maximum points, while their Ajax-based goalkeeper aims to provide the defensive platform for a winning night in his adopted city.
