World Cup Qualifying: Germany v Republic of Ireland match preview

A look ahead to this week’s World Cup Qualifying match in Cologne

Mesut Ozil has scored six goals in the World Cup 2014 qualifying for Germany

Republic of Ireland’s first match in the post-Trapattoni era could not come much tougher as they travel to Cologne to play Germany.

Ireland will have bad memories of the reverse fixture when they were trounced 6-1 at home and go into this match knowing only a win will do to keep their slim hopes of a play-off place alive.

The chances of the Irish getting anything from this match are even more unlikely given the form of Germany. Although their qualification is not confirmed yet, their record of seven wins and one draw in eight matches along with twenty-eight goals means their progression to the finals in Brazil looks almost certain. Even more ominously for Ireland, Joachim Low’s side have not failed to score less than three goals in any home games so far this qualifying campaign.

KICK-OFF: Friday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Republic of Ireland 1 (Keogh) Germany 6 (Reus 2, Ozil, Klose, Kroos 2), World Cup Qualifying, October 2012

Republic of Ireland 0 Germany 0, European Championships Qualifying, October 2007

Germany 1 (Podolski) Ireland 0, European Championships Qualifying, September 2006

STATS…

The two countries have played eight times with Germany winning three times, Republic of Ireland twice and three matches ending in draws.

Miroslav Klose needs one more goal to go past Gerd Muller and become Germany’s all-time top scorer.

Republic of Ireland have scored twelve goals this qualifying round with Robbie Keane scoring five of them.

Germany and Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has scored six goals this qualifying campaign – only Edin Dzeko and Robin van Persie have scored more.

ODDS…

Germany to win: 1.18

Republic of Ireland to win: 22

Draw: 8.8