Germany vs Israel preview

Germany succumbed to a shock defeat to Switzerland at the weekend and the Euro 2012 title contenders are hoping to make amends for the disappointing loss with a good showing against Israel.

Joachim Low’s side, which had conceded just 7 goals in 10 Euro 2012 qualifiers, were beaten 5-3 by rivals Switzerland in Basel, and that result was certainly a big blow for die Mannschaft.

Nonetheless, the highly rated coach later explained that he was not worried by the defeat as there was still plenty of time left before the start of the final tournament.

Low has since named his final 23-man squad for the European Championship, leaving Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Julian Draxler, Cacau and Sven Bender out of the side.

However, he will now have the eight Bayern Munich players back after they were allowed some extra rest following the Champions League final, so no wonder Germany are just 1.22 (2/9) with Paddy Power to win this game.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is out with a calf injury, but all other players are ready for the Israel game.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Neuer – Boateng, Mertesacker, Badstuber, Lahm – Khedira, Kroos – Muller, Ozil, Podolski – Gomez.

The national team chiefs sacked boss Luis Fernandez following a pretty disappointing Euro 2012 qualifying campaign and it was Eli Guttmann who was appointed as his successot.

The 54-year-old, who made a name for himself at Hapoel Tel Aviv, could do nothing to prevent defeats to Ukraine and Czech Republic in his first two games in charge and no wonder he is worried ahead of the Germany clash.

Guttmann admitted he was concerned with team’s physical levels and by the prospect of playing such a high-profile opponent, and those are the reasons why he will go for all out defence in this clash.

The boss is set to field a very defence-minded line-up, with Itay Shechter to be deployed as a lone striker.

Probable starting line-up (5-4-1): Harush – Yadin, Spungin, Ben Haim, Tibi, Gershon – Natkho, Zahavi, Melikson, Benayoun – Shechter.