Drab Dutch draw a relief for Germany

Captain Philipp Lahm said Germany's drab goalless draw with Holland had exorcized a few defensive demons following last month's shock 4-4 draw with Sweden.

While there was little to light up Wednesday's dull friendly at Amsterdam Arena between two makeshift sides ravaged by injuries and withdrawals, Lahm said keeping Holland scoreless was important for his beleaguered defense.

Germany was left shell-shocked, having thrown away a four-goal lead to draw 4-4 against Sweden in last month's World Cup qualifier, when the host leaked four goals in the last 30 minutes in Berlin.