It has come as a surprise to many that world champions Germany have not had it all their own way in Euro 2016 qualifying.

Indeed, they head into Friday evening's encounter in Frankfurt trailing their visitors and Group D leaders Poland by one point.

Germany

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It is only a little over 12 months ago that Die Mannschaft got their hands on the World Cup trophy for the fourth time, but taking results since that night in Rio de Janeiro into consideration, it seems much longer than that.

A handful of key players retired in the wake of that triumph in Brazil, with the loss of captain Philipp Lahm particularly difficult to replace.

It has certainly seemed that way on the pitch, with Friday's visitors Poland overcoming the Germans in Warsaw, while the Republic of Ireland sneaked a late 1-1 draw in Gelsenkirchen courtesy of John O'Shea. Throw in a disappointing defeat by the USA and a draw with Australia in friendly encounters and it becomes apparent that all has not been well.

Consequently, Joachim Low's men have reached a point where only a victory against Poland and then from Monday's clash away in Scotland will do if they are to win the group, as was expected when the draw was made.

It is a notion that has not been lost on captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, who recently told reporters: "We have to win both games, that's it. Against Poland we know it is difficult to play against them but we have to win. There is no way around it. We just must."

As you would expect with the Germans, their home record in European Championship qualifiers is almost impeccable. Since 1991, only the Czech Republic have left with all three points. Since that victory in 2007, Germany have won eight of their 10 contests, with the other two - against Wales and Ireland - ending all square.

Recent form: WLDWWW
Recent form (all competitions): WWDWLW

Poland

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After decent showings at the World Cup in 1974 and 1982, Poland entered the international wilderness.

Yet, the 2-0 victory over Germany in October, coupled with their presence at the last two European Championships, has started to make people stand up and take notice.

Their performance in qualifying so far has also helped, with 14 points from a possible 18 having been collected. During those six games they have found the net an impressive 20 times, while conceding just three goals up the other end.

It is a sentiment that Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, who is one of four Germany-based players in the Poland squad, holds. He said: "Germany look at us differently now. They respect us. I don't think they will swarm all over us from the beginning as they know we could hit them on the counter-attack.

"Certainly the perception of the Polish national team has changed in recent times. It reflects that we are a team that beat the world champions and we lead the group. I hope after the next two matches we remain in first place."

They will make the trip to Germany in relatively good form away from home in European Championship qualifying games. They are unbeaten in their last six trips, winning three and drawing three. If they can pick up either of those two results in Frankfurt, their place at next summer's tournament will be all but guaranteed.

Recent form: WWDWDW
Recent form (all competitions): DWDDWD

Team News

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Former Chelsea attacker Andre Schurrle scored a hat-trick last time out against Gibraltar, which is likely to see him keep his place for this encounter.

Max Kruse was also one the scoresheet twice in that game and the Wolfsburg frontman could well lead the attack again.

Further back, there have been suggestions that Liverpool's Emre Can could feel the void left by Lahm at right-back, with Mats Hummels expected to partner Jerome Boateng.

As for the away side, the main selection issue for Poland head coach Adam Nawalka is whether to partner Arkadiusz Milik with Lewandowski, or just play with the Bayern striker as a lone forward.

Germany possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Hector, Hummels, Boateng, Can; Schweinsteiger, Kroos; Muller, Ozil, Schurrle; Kruse

Poland possible starting lineup:
Fabianski; Piszczek, Pazdan, Szukala, Rybus; Krychowiak, Maczynski, Blaszczykowski, Grosicki, Peszko; Lewandowski

Head To Head

Poland's victory over the Germans last year was a landmark one as it was their first in 19 attempts.

Prior to that, the Poles had found the net just three times in the previous nine encounters between the two sides.

We say: Germany 1-0 Poland

This is a close one to call, but when the Germans need a positive result, history shows that they tend to get one. We expect the Poles to make it difficult, yet Germany should just edge it.

Written by
Liam Apicella

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