Tuesday evening's match away to world champions France in Paris is like a final for Germany. After Saturday's 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands, Joachim Löw's men are fighting relegation in League A. The Germany players are confident despite the delicate situation.
"We're aware of the gravity of the situation," Manuel Neuer declared at Monday's pre-match press conference. But the Germany captain is confident Germany will turn the tide against the Equipe Tricolore. "The match against the world champions will be very difficult, but we had chances to win in the first match. We want to try it in Paris now," said the 32-year-old, referring to the goalless draw against the Frenchmen in Munich six weeks ago.
A victory would be crucial
The situation is by no means easy for Löw's team. Germany, bottom of Group A1, have to win against the table-toppers, who have gone unbeaten in 14 matches, to retain their chances of advancing to the finals. If Germany fail to win, all they can hope for is to avoid the drop. If Löw's men lose at the Stade de France on Tuesday, it would not be entirely up to them any longer.
"Everyone who knows how to calculate knows what's possible. We're threatened by relegation, but we can still finish top. We want to win both matches and finish first," Joshua Kimmich declared in an interview with respected weekly journal kicker on Monday. Neuer agreed: "Our goal is to take three points."
Süle might replace Boateng
Löw will have to make do without Jérôme Boateng, who had to return to Munich early because of a calf problem. His team-mate Niklas Süle might replace him. France coach Didier Deschamps, who turned 50 on Monday, has to make do without forward Florian Thauvin, who is sidelined with a foot injury.
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