Germans turn on charm ahead of Russia clash

LEIPZIG, Germany - Germany's top soccer stars went back to school on Tuesday as part of another charm offensive aimed at repairing the damage from their World Cup debacle last summer.

Ahead of Thursday's friendly against Russia in Leipzig, captain Manuel Neuer, forward Leroy Sane, winger Julian Brandt and forward Timo Werner fielded questions from elementary students as the team seeks to build bridges with fans following its humiliating first-round exit in Russia.

The German team was criticized for appearing too distant from its supporters and this latest initiative follows the national team holding an open training session for 5,000 fans in Berlin last month.