Die Mannschaft will want to end the group stage with a demonstration of their true footballing ability when meeting Northern Ireland at the Parc des Prince later tonight.
German attack needs to improve
Joachim Loew’s side has gone some way to silencing the doubts that arose in the lead up to the tournament surrounding their form, but although they have yet to taste defeat in France or concede a goal – this Germany side is a mile removed from that which instilled fear among opponents in major tournaments prior. The lack of natural strikers, which had supporters worried as soon as Loew first announced his preliminary squad, has seen the team which put seven past Brazil in 2014 claim just one goal from two Euro 2016 outings. The back-up men – the likes of Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller – have been stifled by the deep-lying defensive lines that many are employing at this competition, with the Bayern Munich star particularly hardly even able to get a view at goal.
In fact, it has been the young Julian Draxler generating most of the attacking momentum for the side from the wing, grasping his first opportunity at a major tournament with both hands. Germany could still be saving their best, but this is too unpredictable a competition to leave anything up to chance.
Will there be late drama in Group C?
Having both won their opening matches, when it came to Germany’s meeting with Poland last Friday there was definitely a lack of intensity in the air, and it seemed from the outset a point would be enough to satisfy either side. A 2-0 win for the Green and White Army over Ukraine kept proceedings in Group C interesting though – with much still up for grabs in the last matches.
The world champions will top the group with a victory, and would also be doing a big favour for Poland. On the other hand, a Northern Ireland upset would automatically see Michael O’Neill’s men through and could see Germany drop as low as third, depending on how the White Eagles fare against the Ukranians with nothing to lose.
O’Neill instilling confidence
Which is exactly what the Northern Ireland coach has on his mind – an upset. O’Neill has brought together a cohesive unit that frustrated Poland for most of the match, before recording their first win at a European championships over Ukraine. The former Hibs star will know a deep defensive setup could hold Germany at bay – especially if Loew’s men turn up with the same attitude they showed against Poland – while Gareth McAuley and Jonny Evans will be preparing for a busy outing at the heart of defence.
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