Germany head coach Joachim Low insists that his side know better than to underestimate Denmark in their final Group B fixture with a place in the last eight of Euro 2012 on the line.
Low’s men have taken maximum points from games against Portugal and Holland and need to avoid defeat against the Danes to ensure ensure qualification from the ‘group of death’.
The 52-year-old knows a defeat could spell the end for Germany’s hopes of securing a quarter final slot and is fully aware that complacency is a threat should his players approach the game with the wrong attitude.
“We have not qualified yet,” Low said. “It will be a tight, difficult match as Denmark, too, have hopes of reaching the last eight.
“Those who saw Denmark as outsiders before the tournament were wrong; we always knew they would be a threat as they’re compact and dangerous on the break.
“We will not underestimate them and I’ll not be letting anyone have a day off. If I make changes it will be because it’s beneficial for the team.”
A win is the requirement for Denmark to reach the knock out phase and head coach Morten Olsen believes anything is possible as they prepare to face the Germans in Lviv.
Despite being labelled as the underdogs Olsen still fancies his sides chances of causing an upset telling UEFA.com: “We go into the game hopeful of going through and it can’t get more exciting than this.
“Nothing is impossible and we will be going out to win.
“We have experienced both ends of the emotional spectrum in recent weeks – one euphoric and one downbeat. We are keen to experience the first one again.”
Team News
Jerome Boateng is out for Germany after picking up his second booking of the tournament against Holland and Benedict Howedes could come into fill the void.
Denmark are missing Dennis Rommedahl who picked up a leg muscle strain against Portugal whilst Niki Zimling is a doubt.
Key Players
Mario Gomez
Another match winning performance against Holland saw the Bayern Munich hit man take his tally to three goals in two games for Germany effectively booking their place in the last eight. Gomez has certainly proven his critics wrong at Euro 2012 and will now have the golden boot in his sights as well as top spot in Group B
Nicklas Bendtner
Two goals from the Arsenal striker wasn’t enough for Denmark to beat Portugal on Wednesday but Bendtner’s impressive performance was enough to offer a semblance of hope that Morten Olsen’s side can get a positive result against Germany in their group fixture.
Prediction: 2-0
