Loew decides against taking Kuranyi to World Cup

Loew decides against taking Kuranyi to World Cup

Published May. 3, 2010 10:37 p.m. ET

Germany coach Joachim Loew has decided against taking Schalke forward Kevin Kuranyi to the World Cup.

The German federation said Monday that Kuranyi will not be in the provisional World Cup roster announced Thursday,

Kuranyi was kicked off the national team in October 2008 for disciplinary reasons. He has scored 18 goals for Schalke this season.

``It would have been no problem for us to give him another chance. But we came to the conclusion that we have other tactical and personnel ideas for choosing the World Cup squad,'' Loew said.

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Kuranyi left the stadium at halftime of Germany's World Cup qualifier when he was not picked for the game-day roster and sent friends to collect his bags from the team hotel. He later apologized and often expressed hope that he would be allowed to return.

Kuranyi also missed the 2006 World Cup in Germany, when he was dropped by then-coach Juergen Klinsmann shortly before the tournament.

``My dream to play at the World Cup has been dashed for the second time. Clearly, this decision makes me very sad,'' Kuranyi said. ``I gave it my best this season. But it wasn't enough. It's a decision by the coach that I accept and respect.''

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