Germany striker Cacau savoring clash with Brazil

For Brazilian-born Germany striker Cacau, Wednesday's friendly in Stuttgart between the country of his birth and his adopted homeland promises to be an emotional one.

The 30-year-old forward was called up by Germany for the match for the first time since the end of 2010.

''It's dream to play against the land of my birth. It will be a special feeling,'' said Cacau, who ordered 60 tickets for friends and family to attend the game. ''I told them I'd only give them the tickets if they supported Germany.''

Cacau underwent groin surgery in May to solve a long-standing problem and marked his return to the Bundesliga by scoring Stuttgart's opener in a 3-0 win over Schalke on Saturday.

''After a long time, a long difficult season, I'm happy that everything went well after the operation. Now I'm fit,'' Cacau said Monday. ''I'm excited. I've already been asked how I feel, and I can't tell myself how I'll react on the day.''

Ilkay Guendogan is Germany coach Joachim Loew's only new face in the squad, and the 20-year-old midfielder - who has Turkish roots - said he was surprised with his quick progression to the senior side.

''It's a big thing to be called up for your national team, especially when you can play with so many brilliant players,'' said Guendogan, a Borussia Dortmund offseason signing. ''I'm very happy to be here. I'll enjoy the day and take a lot of experience from it.''

Guendogan said he made the decision to represent Germany when he was 18, admitting it was a difficult decision and not one ''you can make quickly.''

''I was born and grew up in Germany,'' he said. ''I made the decision early, without knowing whether I'd make it or not ... so I'm happy that it has worked out.''

Guendogan warned against underestimating Brazil following its disappointing Copa America campaign.

''They still have world-class players,'' Guendogan said. ''It doesn't matter who's on the field, the team is strong.''

Loew's only injury concern is that of Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng, who limped off in Sunday's 1-0 loss to Borussia Moenchengladbach with an ankle injury. But he took part in light training on Monday and should be fit to play.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Goetze is also pushing for a starting place. The 19-year-old Goetze's sparkling performance in Dortmund's 3-1 win over Hamburg drew comparisons with Argentina forward Lionel Messi from former Germany player and manager Franz Beckenbauer.

Real Madrid midfielders Mesut Oezil and Sami Khedira have been allowed a rest following the Spanish club's tour of the United States and China.