Germany gunning for revenge on Poland

World Cup winners Germany will look to make amends for their Euro 2016 qualifying defeat to Poland last year when the two sides meet again in Frankfurt on Friday to heave their qualification campaign back on track.

The Germans suffered a shock 2-0 loss to their neighbours only three months after winning the World Cup in Brazil and Poland currently top Group D, a point ahead of Germany, three ahead of Scotland and five ahead of Ireland. The world champions also play Scotland next week.

“We have two important games and we look forward to that. We want to attack, we need points and results and we need to focus on that,” said Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger.

“We have to show our qualities. Poland will be difficult as will the away game in Glasgow. These are challenging games but we want revenge for the defeat in Poland.”

The 31-year-old holding midfielder, who moved to Manchester United after 14 years at Bayern Munich, said Germany have struggled somewhat with consistency in the qualifiers so far, failing to keep up the tempo throughout matches.

“(In the game against Poland) they were aggressive and you could see they wanted to win. We controlled the game at times but not over 90 minutes. This is something we need to work on. We have to control it, work hard in defence but also carve out our chances with the qualities we have.

“We cannot allow anything to happen at the back and we must be more determined up front.

“It is important we step on the gas until the final minute.”

Meanwhile Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall is pleased the transfer window will be closed before the double-header against Georgia and Germany.

Marshall’s future was uncertain for the vast majority of August with West Brom negotiating with Cardiff for five weeks before turning their attention to Anders Lindegaard, who joined the Baggies on a free transfer from Manchester United on Monday.

West Brom’s pursuit of Marshall was played out in public and the former Celtic goalkeeper, despite his desire to return to the Premier League, is at least relieved that the speculation is at an end ahead of Scotland’s qualifier in Tbilisi on Friday night.

“It will be put to bed by the time these games come around,” Marshall said.

“It’s not an ideal scenario. I agree with people who think the transfer window should be done before the first game kicks off.

“It’s not ideal playing three or four league games when it’s constantly talked about and bids are coming in. But that’s the situation and you just need to get on with it.”