Germany go to Luxembourg tomorrow night. Read our in-depth preview here…
Preview for Luxembourg v Germany
It has not been a straightforward qualifying campaign for Germany but they arrive at the final doubleheader knowing two wins from their final two games will be enough for them to secure a place at the World Cup next summer.
The opening round defeat at home to Slovakia put Julian Nagelsmann’s side on the back foot and they have been playing catch-up ever since.
Three successive wins, including a vital 1-0 success in Northern Ireland last time out, means they are back on track. They visit Luxembourg tomorrow night before the group decider at home to Slovakia on Monday.
Bayern Munich defender Jonathan Tah told Kicker: “Everyone is up for the challenge, we have a responsibility, it is our duty.
“In the end, it is about the basics, doing them with full conviction, about our pressing, our intensity… These are simple things that are brutally unpleasant for the opponents if you do them well and with 100% commitment.”
Nagelsmann was asked about the composition of his squad for the finals ahead of the game but the former Bayern boss insisted that could be answered later, his sole focus was on six points.
“The most important thing is… to be successful at these games, get the six points and qualify for the World Cup,” he said.
“We do not depend on other results, only rely on our team’s performances. It is a good starting point but we still have to make it successful. We don’t have the luxury of another slip-up. We have improved but still need to complete the task.”
Luxembourg, who lost the reverse fixture 4-0 after having Dirk Carlson sent off after 20 minutes, have yet to pick up a point but winger Aiman Dardari, who plays his club football in Germany for Augsburg, is confident they can cause a huge upset.
He said: “We play in front of our 12th man [the home crowd]Germany has pressure and we will hopefully not receive an early red card this time. I go into this game with a positive feeling and look forward to the duel with Germany.”
Luxembourg boss Jeff Strasser also highlighted the importance of the crowd, adding: “The spark must come from the team and spread to the spectators. We have to make sure that the crowd moves with us.”
Team news for Luxembourg v Germany
Germany suffered a major blow on the eve of the game with captain Joshua Kimmich ruled out after suffering an ankle injury in training. RB Leipzig’s Ridle Baku is set to step in.
Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck is unlikely to be risked with the Slovakia game in mind so Waldemar Anton should line-up alongside Tah at the heart of the Germany defence.
Luxembourg defender Enes Mahmutovic is injured but Carlson can return having served a one-game suspension.
Predicted line-ups for Luxembourg v Germany
Luxembourg: Moris; Jans, M. Martins, Korac, Carlson; Olesen; Sinani, C. Martins, Barreiro, Moreira; Dardari
Germany: Baumann; Baku, Tah, Anton, Space; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Gnabry, Wirtz, Adeyemi; Woltemade
How to watch Luxembourg v Germany: TV and online streams
Luxembourg versus Germany kicks off at 7.45pm UK time tomorrow night. It is not available to watch on TV but can be streamed via Amazon Prime Video’s pay-per-view service. The game costs £2.49.
Stats for Luxembourg v Germany
- Luxembourg have lost all four competitive meetings with Germany, conceding 20 goals in the process
- Nagelsmann has won 14 of his 26 games in charge
What To Do If You Have A Gambling Problem
We understand that gambling can be fun, but it is always important to gamble responsibly. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please do not hesitate to ask for help. There are people who can help you get on the road to recovery. Below, we have listed some helpful resources to help aid you on the road to recovery.
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- GamCare: https://www.gamcare.org.uk
- GambleAware: www.gambleaware.com
