It has come to be a surprise to a lot of that world champions Germany have never had it their own strategies by Euro 2016 qualifying.
Indeed, they head into Friday evening's encounter in Frankfurt trailing their visitors and Group D leaders Poland by some point.
It is simply little over twelve months ago that Die Mannschaft got their practical the World Cup trophy with the fourth time, but taking results since that night in Rio de Janeiro into mind, it appears much longer than that.
A small amount of key players retired inside the wake of the triumph in Brazil, using the loss of captain Philipp Lahm particularly hard to replace.
It has certainly seemed because of this on the pitch, with Friday's visitors Poland overcoming the Germans in Warsaw, as you move the Republic of Ireland sneaked a late 1-1 lure Gelsenkirchen thanks to John O'Shea. Throw in a disappointing defeat through the USA plus a draw with Australia in friendly encounters and yes it becomes apparent that most has not been well.
Consequently, Joachim Low's mankind has reached an area where merely a victory against Poland then from Monday's clash away in Scotland will perform if they are to win the group, as was expected if the draw was developed.
It is often a notion that is not lost on captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, who recently told reporters: "We should win both games, there it is. Against Poland we realize it is tricky to play against them but we should win. There is no way around it. We just must."
As you would expect with all the Germans, their house record in European Championship qualifiers is nearly impeccable. Since 1991, merely the Czech Republic have remaining with all three points. Since that victory in 2007, Germany have won eight of these 10 contests, together with the other two - against Wales and Ireland - ending all square.
Recent form: WLDWWW
Recent form (all competitions): WWDWLW
After decent showings on the World Cup in 1974 and 1982, Poland entered the international wilderness.
Yet, the 2-0 victory over Germany in October, as well as their presence on the last two European Championships, initiated a policy of to make people remain true and get sucked in.
Their performance in qualifying until now has also helped, with 14 points coming from a possible 18 being collected. During those six games they've already found websites an impressive 20 times, while conceding just three goals in the other end.
It can be a sentiment that Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, who's going to be one of four Germany-based players inside Poland squad, holds. He said: "Germany check out us differently now. They respect us. I don't think they're going to swarm across us in the first place as they know we might hit them about the counter-attack.
"Certainly the perception in the Polish national team is different in recent times. It reflects we are a team that beat the earth champions so we lead the group. I hope following next two matches we be in first place."
They is likely to make the holiday to Germany in relatively good form overseas in European Championship qualifying games. They are unbeaten within their last six trips, winning three and drawing three. If they can grab either of people two leads to Frankfurt, their place at next summer's tournament are going to be all but guaranteed.
Recent form: WWDWDW
Recent form (all competitions): DWDDWD
Team News
Germany's Andre Schurrle celebrates after scoring in the FIFA 2014 World Cup group C qualifying football match against Sweden on October 15, 2013© Getty Images
Former Chelsea attacker Andre Schurrle scored a hat-trick last time out against Gibraltar, that's likely to see him keep his position for this encounter.
Max Kruse has also been one the scoresheet twice because game and also the Wolfsburg frontman may actually lead the attack again.
Further back, we have seen suggestions that Liverpool's Emre Can could have the void left by Lahm at right-back, with Mats Hummels likely to partner Jerome Boateng.
As for your away side, the primary selection issue for Poland head coach Adam Nawalka is to partner Arkadiusz Milik with Lewandowski, or perhaps play while using Bayern striker to be 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 in the Germans this past year was a landmark one since it was their first in 19 attempts.
Prior to this, the Poles had found the web just three times from the previous nine encounters between two sides.
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European Championship
