GERMANY ARE EXPECTING 90 minutes of tough-tackling, physical football tonight – according to their manager.
Ireland host the European heavyweights at Lansdowne Road and Joachim Loew claims Giovanni Trapattoni’s side will be fully-committed from first whistle to the last.
At the team press conference yesterday, Loew said: ”They will play fast, long balls into our half. We need to break their rhythm and get into our own style.
“We mustn’t and shouldn’t believe that Ireland will think they are beaten at any point. For the full 90 minutes Ireland will believe in themselves and even go for victory. We will find our own style and exude personality.”
Ireland claimed a smash-and-grab win over Kazakhstan last month after suffering three demoralising defeats at Euro 2012. Loew doesn’t believe this evening will be anything like June’s Group C thrashing at the hands of European champions Spain, however.
“What I saw was that Spain only became dominant as the match wore on. It didn’t look that clear for large parts. Even at one and two nil down, they fought on and showed tremendous pride and fight.
We’re in for the same. The atmosphere will be electric. An audience will be behind their team like one man. We will be treated to a fantastic atmosphere.
“They will go full steam ahead and do a lot of tackling. We will see a different match to the one against Spain.”
