Kingsley Coman and France have made it to the first knockout round as group winners, and on Tuesday evening six Munich men aim to follow suit. Manuel Neuer, Jérôme Boateng, Joshua Kimmich, Mario Götze and Thomas Müller contest their last group match against Northern Ireland in Paris at 18.00 CET. At the same time Robert Lewandowski and his Polish team-mates take on Ukraine in Marseille to topple the Germans from their perch.
“We want to win the match and make it to the last sixteen as group winners,” Germany assistant coach Thomas Schneider commented at the obligatory pre-match press conference, deputising for head coach Joachim Löw, who has sustained a cold. All players are fit, but Schneider declined to reveal Löw's plans against the Ulstermen. “Northern Ireland draw strength from their passion and their fans,” declared new FCB signing Mats Hummels: “Of course we'll analyse them further.”
Lewandowski aims to 'hit the gas'
“We're looking forward to the match, we're confident and in a good position,” added Götze, who knows that Germany would take a giant stride towards the group triumph with a victory on Tuesday. However, three points would not guarantee first place as Poland could still topple the Germans if they win by a higher scoreline. The goal difference (Germany +2, Poland +1) would be decisive in this case.
Lewandowski & Co also want to seal the group win and a berth in the Round of 16. “We want to hit the gas,” announced the FCB striker, who has yet to score in France. His team-mate Kamil Grosicki added: “We're fighting for the best place, and that's the top of the group. This team is growing, we want more and more. Our big goal is the Round of 16, and then we want even more,” according to the midfielder.
The situation in Group C
Germany advance to the last sixteen if...
...they draw their match against Northern Ireland. If Poland fail to beat Ukraine Germany would even win the group.
Poland advance to the last sixteen of...
…they draw against Ukraine. If Northern Ireland fail to beat Germany even a defeat would be sufficient for Poland to go through. If two teams are equal on points the direct record is decisive, and Poland beat Northern Ireland 1-0 in the first match.