Thomas Mueller training ahead of Northern Ireland tie. nurfussball.com[/caption]Internet Desk: Germany will look to top their group at the Euros when they play an impressive Northern Island on Tuesday night at the Parc des Princes.
Joachim Low has been making the headlines for the foul reasons, but he won't mind as long as his side play to their ruthless best in their final Group C game.
His side aren't perfect, and the draw against Poland exposed their weaknesses, especially in the striking department.
Mario Gotze as the false nine is an experiment that isn't going well, for the diminutive forward is not scoring himself or contributing to his team mates tallies.
Jerome Boateng had a mild hip injury, but has been given the "all clear" by Die Mrannschaft’s medical department. There are no injuries or suspensions as Low is likely to employ an identical lineup as he did in the previous two games.
Mesut Ozil was excellent against Ukraine in the opener, but was let down by his team-mates against the Poles in the second game. He may wear No.8 on his back, but is truly one of the finest exponents of the No.10 position in football!
Toni Kroos is one of the finest indirect set-piece takers in world football, and against a team that are likely to shut up shop early, his deliveries will be decisive. His game from open play isn't bad at all, and the Real Madrid defender will be bossing possession over the course of 90 minutes.
Manuel Neuer is awe inspiring almost every time he steps out onto the pitch. The goalkeeper redefines the meaning of world-class and he has bailed Die Mannschaft out of trouble on many occasions.
Thomas Muller is undergoing a goal drought and that too at a major tournament? It may sound strange, but it is true and the Bayern Munich hitman will be itching to get off the mark at the European Championships.
On the other hand, Ireland surprised many by beating Ukraine comprehensively after a narrow loss to Poland at the Euros.Their strength is their unity and their gritty defensive tactics which make them hard to break down. They aren't without their faults, however.
Without any flair players, and lacking a prolific goal-scorer, goal scoring chances will be hard to come against the Germans.Therefore, it is unlikely that an upset result will be on the headlines of major dailies across the world on Wednesday morning.
Manager Michael O’Neill has done a great job bringing his country to their first major tournament in over 30 years, but even he will know the daunting task that lies ahead may be a little too much. Northern Ireland will continue to play a static 4-5-1 formation, with backs-to-the-wall defending a likely feature for the whole game.
Meanwhile, Poland face off with Ukraine to seal last 16 spot. Poland are seeking to clinch a last 16 spot, while the already eliminated Ukrainians are trying to leave Euro 2016 on a positive note.
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