Bench players will decide games in Brazil: Joachim Loew

Porto Seguro: Germany coach Joachim Loew believes players coming off the bench will have a decisive impact on World Cup matches because of difficult weather conditions in Brazil.

Loew says players shouldn't think that starting a match as a substitute is a punishment, and emphasizes the opportunity for fresh reserves to make the difference against a tiring opposition in the second half.

Germany plays its Group G games in Salvador, Recife and Fortaleza, where the weather is warm and humid. Loew says the climate will be a major factor in the tournament.

The German team opens against Portugal on Monday in Salvador, then plays Ghana and the United States.