Joachim Low claims Scotland’s defeat to Georgia will only increase their threat to Germany in their crucial Euro 2016 qualifier at Hampden Park.
An unexpected 1-0 defeat in Tbilisi on Friday night left the Scots in fourth place in Group D, a point behind the Republic of Ireland, as the world champions leapfrogged opponents Poland into top place with a 3-1 home win.
The Germany boss said he looked forward to his first appearance at the national stadium where he expects Gordon Strachan’s side to be determined to make up for the Georgian disappointment.
“Going to Hampden is a first for me,” said Low. “I haven’t been fortunate enough to go there as a player or coach.
“I’m looking forward to it, with the unique atmosphere, pride and passion of not just the Scottish players but the Scottish public.
“I don’t think Scotland losing to Georgia will be of any advantage to us, not in the least. That won’t do their fighting spirit or passion any damage at all.
“I know that the squad and the coach will be disappointed about that result but if anything, it will make them even more dangerous.
“I think they will quickly put their Georgia defeat aside and they will want to reboot themselves and their team.
“Whenever they are up against elite opponents, Germany, England or other big-time opposition, they give everything they’ve got from the first minute to the last.
The crowd will get behind their team as one man especially as Scotland are fighting their last chance in many eyes.
“They have fallen behind Poland and Ireland, but they will give everything they have got.
“As far as my own team is concerned, we came away from the Poland game with no problems or injuries.”
– Euro16: Record-making Rooney sends England through
– Also: Neymar reduced to substitute appearance in 1-0 win
Scotland boss Gordon Strachan insists Friday’s hold-up in Georgia has had no effect on preparations for tonight’s crucial clash.
After the 1-0 defeat Strachan’s squad had to wait in the airport for three hours until their plane turned up, with the players and officials
arriving back in Glasgow at 06:00 on Saturday.
After training Strachan was adamant that his plans to take on the world champions had been unaffected.
“It had no impact on the schedule whatsoever in terms of our training and preparation for this game,” he said.
“Team training never got changed. It was still at four o’clock (on Saturday) and it went the same way. Meals have been at the same time so nothing has changed. So we are okay.
“We trained and (players) got rid of their anger – anything they were angry about, they got it out.”
