Germany coach Rudi Voeller has taken a gamble by picking teenagers Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger for Euro 2004.

Cologne striker Podolski, 18, and Bayern Munich midfielder Schweinsteiger, 19, are promising players but are both untested internationally and tired after a long season.

Voeller had been under pressure to make changes since an embarrassing 5-1 defeat by Romania in April exposed his side's limitations.

By naming 22 instead of 23 players on May 24, he had left the door open for Podolski, who made his breakthrough in the Bundesliga by scoring 10 goals from 19 games.

Schweinsteiger became an option after VfL Bochum midfielder Paul Freier had to be withdrawn from the squad on Saturday because of a knee injury.

A product of Bayern's youth scheme, Schweinsteiger made his club's first team this season because several players were injured. He stayed there, displaying great talent and maturity beyond his years.

The two youngsters were included by Voeller in his squad after a 2-0 win over Switzerland in Basel on Wednesday and now have to prove they deserve their tickets to Portugal.

Podolski is fast and gifted but so far he has only shone for Cologne, who were relegated to the second division despite his efforts.

CREATIVE SKILLS

Schweinsteiger is a workaholic midfielder with creative skills but whether he can live up to expectations on the big stage remains to be seen.

The pair have only been selected at under-21 level and both were disappointing in Germany's European under-21 championship campaign on home soil.

Schweinsteiger did score in a 2-1 defeat by Portugal on Wednesday that sent Germany out and meant they will not go to the Olympics, but apart from that he looked tired and short of ideas.

"This is a big disappointment," Schweinsteiger said of Germany's elimination.

"I need two days to get over it. Then I can start thinking about a new challenge."

Podolski, who missed the opening game because of a groin strain, kept trying but poor finishing and a bid of bad luck denied him a goal.

"The injury is completely healed," said Podolski. "I can fully concentrate on football. I don't feel any pressure."

Podolski and Schweinsteiger now dream of emulating Miroslav Klose, who burst into the limelight by scoring five goals at the 2002 World Cup finals.

Germany are in Group D in Portugal with the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Latvia.