MATCH 24 PREVIEW : GERMANY HUNGRY FOR GOALS

Tension high
It is a group that has produced surprises, with Latvia taking a point off Germany and giving the Czechs a run for their money; and it has also provided the game of the tournament so far, between the Czechs and the Dutch. The chances of a similar festival of football at the Estádio José Alvalade on Wednesday night seem slim, but for Germany at least the tension will be equally high.

Group winners
The Czechs of course are already through to the quarter-finals as group winners, having come from behind to win both previous games; the Germans need to win to be sure of joining them, although if Latvia spring another surprise in the night's other game, against the Netherlands, a draw could still be enough for Rudi Völler’s men.

Key players rested
Germany's task will undoubtedly be made easier with their opponents likely to rest several key players ahead of the quarter-finals. The Czech replacements will have points to prove to their coach, Karol Brückner, but Völler is still entitled to expect his charges to play with a greater determination.

Czech Republic (probable): Blazek; Jiránek, Bolf, Ujfaluši, Jankulovski; Plašil, Týce, Vachoušek, Šmicer; Lokvenc, Heinz.

Germany (probable): Kahn; Friedrich, Wörns, Nowotny, Lahm; Schweinsteiger, Baumann, Hamann, Frings; Ballack; Kuranyi.

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