Joachim Low wary of Scotland threat to Germany

06 September 2015 19:46

Joachim Low claims Scotland's defeat to Georgia will only increase their threat to Germany in their crucial Euro 2016 qualifier at Hampden Park on Monday night.

An unexpected 1-0 defeat in Tbilisi on Friday night left the Scots in fourth place in Group D, a point behind the Republic of Ireland, as the world champions leapfrogged opponents Poland into top place with a 3-1 home win.

The Germany boss, speaking at the pre-match press conference in a Glasgow hotel, looked forward to his first appearance at the national stadium where he expects Gordon Strachan's side to be determined to make up for the Georgian disappointment.

"Going to Hampden is a first for me," said Low, speaking through an interpreter.

"I haven't been fortunate enough to go there as a player or coach.

"I'm looking forward to it, with the unique atmosphere, pride and passion of not just the Scottish players but the Scottish public.

"I don't think Scotland losing to Georgia will be of any advantage to us, not in the least. That won't do their fighting spirit or passion any damage at all.

"I know that the squad and the coach will be disappointed about that result but if anything, it will make them even more dangerous.

"I think they will quickly put their Georgia defeat aside and they will want to reboot themselves and their team.

"Whenever they are up against elite opponents, Germany, England or other big-time opposition, they give everything they've got from the first minute to the last.

"The crowd will get behind their team as one man especially as Scotland are fighting their last chance in many eyes.

"They have fallen behind Poland and Ireland, but they will give everything they have got.

"As far as my own team is concerned, we came away from the Poland game with no problems or injuries."

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will also make his debut at Hampden Park and he too played down the impact Scotland's defeat in Georgia will have on the match.

The Bayern Munich number one, also speaking through an interpreter, said: "I've never played at Hampden Park before - it's a first for me so I'm looking forward to it.

"It allows me to add another country to the list of those I have played in.

"I'm looking forward to witnessing the great Scottish fans. I'm sure there will be emotional scenes and the fans will be right behind the team.

"I'm also sure that irrespective of the defeat to Georgia, the Scotland team will do all they can to make amends.

"But let me tell you this - Georgia aren't nobodies of international football. They too can play football.

"Scotland came away disappointed and they will be like a boxer who has taken a couple of knocks and who desperately wants to show their public they can do better."

Source: PA