Low expects Germany to beat Georgia in Euro 2016 qualifier

Low expects Germany to beat Georgia in Euro 2016 qualifier

Published Mar. 28, 2015 1:16 p.m. ET
6242c6f7-

Germany coach Joachim Low says the world champions have had enough time to lie back after winning the World Cup last season, claiming the time has come for them to rise again.

A 2-2 draw with Australia on Wednesday had no consequences, but a similar result in Tbilisi could prove costly.

Germany are currently second in Euro 2016 qualifying group D, three points behind leaders Poland and level on points with both Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

ADVERTISEMENT

"The situation is clear," said Low at a press conference on Saturday. "We've dropped too many points in qualifying already and now we need to relight the fire to get three points here.

"It's an important game since we're playing catch-up in the group, but I'm convinced we're capable of winning this game.

"With all respect for our opponents, if we play to our best then we're going to take three points."

Low will have Manuel Neuer back in goal after he missed the Australia game with a slight knee problem while Bastian Schweinsteiger will lead the team out as captain.

"I left him out on purpose against Australia," Low said. "We're going to play with an attack-minded formation and we need players who can work far up the field."

Opponents Georgia have picked up one win in the group, against Gibraltar, but they are nevertheless regarded as rank outsiders. However, Low says he will take even a 1-0.

"For us, the three points are important and not the margin of victory," he said. "Teams like Georgia you've got to break down and bring to their knees and it's not always easy.

"For Georgia, this is the game of the year or even the game of the decade - facing the current world champions.

"I'm expecting it to be a hostile atmosphere for us, but we've got to cope with that."

share