Preview of Germany-Russia

Hello all, this is Nick here. As you all know Germany is playing Russia tommorrow (Oct, 11) in Dortmund. This in my opinion is probably the best match of all the qualifiers.

I noticed that Germany has a very depleted squad after being ravaged with injuries. most notably to now no 1 goalkeeper Robert Enke and defender Marcell Jansen. I think this makes the German defense quite vulnerable but Low could compensate with a midfield featuring Ballack and Schweinsteiger. Up front, Germany has plenty of firepower with Klose, Kuranyi, and Podolski.

Russia take their usual squad to Germany with the only notable absentees being Roman Pavlyuchenko and Dmitri Torobinski. However I think Hiddink made a good decision by calling up Dmitri Sychev and Denis Glushakov as their replacments. Other than that, the midfield and defence will probably look quite ususal. It is specualted that Hiddink might give Igor Denisov a start in the midfield.

Both teams in my opinion look equal each with their won advantages and disadvantages and depletions to their squads. I think this will a very tight match.

My prediction: GER 2-1 RUS

Sorry to all my fellow Russia fans but I will have to give the edge to Germany simply because I think history goes with them when meeting Russia.

I look forward to reading ur comments.