Giovanni Trapattoni's side are unbeaten since their elimination from EURO 2012. With two wins and a draw – they enter this game in a good run of form, and the possibility of earning a point against a though, improving German side will do well for there qualification progress.
However, with key players such as David Meyler, Keith Fahey, Richard Dunne, James McClean and Glenn Whelan all rumoured to be unavailable for the game, the task of beating Germany becames even more difficult. However, Marco Tardelli insists The Republic are capable. “We will try to win, its normal for us, if we can against Germany it will be important for the team and for the country.”
Germany however, are in a different run of form. A run of form that will worry head coach Joachim Low. With three impressive victories over the lesser teams in Austria, Faroe Island and Greece – The Germans have struggled against the 'bigger' opponents. Italy beat Germany 2-1 at EURO 2012 to knock them out of the competition – that followed with a 3-1 defeat courtesy of Argentina should have Low worried.
However, with the return of the experienced Bastian Schweinsteiger - Low will count on the midfielder to return to the German set up and recover the sort of form that has made Germany such a lethal footballing force.
Germany though will be without senior players themselves – most notably center back Mats Hummels. The Dortmund center back had a revelation of a tournament in EURO 2012 – linked with a big move away from Germany last season he signed a five year deal. However, recently Hummels has admitted that 'playing abroad is a dream' for him. With continual performances for Germany and Dortmund – expect the young center half to move on.
Last 5 Results – Germany: W W L L W
12/09/12 - Austria 1 – 2 Germany
08/09/12 - Germany 3 – 0 Faroe Islands
16/08/12 - Germany 1 – 3 Argentina
29/07/12 - Germany 1 – 2 Italy
23/07/12 - Germany 4 – 2 Greece
Last 5 Results – Republic of Ireland: W W D L L
12/09/12 - Republic of Ireland 4 – 1 Oman
08/12/12 - Kazakhstan 1 – 2 Republic of Ireland
16/08/12 - Serbia 0 – 0 Republic of Ireland
19/06/12 - Italy 2 – 0 Republic of Ireland
15/06/12 - Spain 4 – 0 Republic of Ireland
Head to Head -
14/10/07 - Republic of Ireland 0 – 0 Germany
03/09/06 – Germany 1 – 0 Republic of Ireland
Player To Watch: Germany – Mesut Ozil
The Real Madrid midfielder has come under some pressure this season due to the arrival of Croatian star Luka Modric. With Mourinho seeming to prefer Mordic as the clubs 'Number 10', Ozil has seen a lot of the bench this season. This is due to fitness levels. With years in The Barclay's Premier League – Modric is fitter than the German – who usually fades out for Madrid in the latter part of the game. However, for Germany, Ozil is still flourishing. With already 3 goals and an assist in this campaign – expect him to dictate the majority of Germany's play, and even get on the score sheet himself.
Player To Watch: Republic of Ireland – Robbie Keane
Skipper Robbie Keane flew in on Tuesday morning after jetting in to Dublin from America. With 121 caps for Ireland – Robbie Keane is by far the most experienced player Trapattoni has. Keane has led the line for Ireland for years now – and with a relatively young and inexperienced squad he will be their main, experienced threat. Keane is the only Irish player to score more than 50 goals – and he will be just as keen to add to his tally against The Germans.
Watch the game Republic of Ireland V Germany - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game live.
Source: DSG
