Ahead of their Group C clash in Saint-Denis on Thursday, Germany and Poland UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.
To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans, we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.
GERMANY – Frank Scheunert (Hedge Fund Manager, Dubai)
Germany played a solid first match against Ukraine and were able to secure a 2-0 win that puts to rest doubts about our ability after recent bad results.
Joachim Low’s men controlled almost 70 percent of possession but did have some trouble with Ukraine’s fast breaks with 3-4 decent chances created for their opponents. Germany are a tournament team though – we have a knack of getting better and better as competitions progress and I expect this to be the case in France too.
Germany know all about Poland as we lost to them in the European Championship qualifiers, a 2-0 victory coming soon after we had lifted the World Cup. We did beat them 3-1 back on German soil though and our overall record is 13 victories to Poland’s one since 1933.
PREDICTION: Germany 1-0 Poland
LIKELY GERMANY XI: Neuer; Höwedes, Boateng, Mustafi, Hummels; Khedira, Kroos; Müller, Özil, Draxler; Gomez
GERMANY PLAYER TO WATCH: Mario Gomez – Mario Gotze was far too soft and weak against Poland so hopefully Gomez will come in to add a more physical presence in attack
POLAND PLAYER TO FEAR: Robert Lewandowski – He knows the Bundesliga like the back of his hand and has certainly scored plenty of goals against all those lining up in the German defence. A great striker.
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: ON42 at the Media One Hotel – not better place in Dubai for German football fans.
POLAND – Mark Kar (Development Director, Dubai)
After a positive opening result, our biggest test of the group is up next. No disrespect to Northern Ireland, but we cannot read too much into our impressive stats from the first game as we are facing the Germans.
There was much to admire about Ukraine’s attacking play against Germany and I believe Poland must adopt a similar game plan. The Polish media are encouraging the team to play for a draw but I personally feel we have nothing to lose and should play with a high tempo, taking the game to Germany.
It was fantastic to see Bartosz Kapustka start against Northern Irelad and he really brought a spark. A little more of that, coupled with some good performances from our experienced players, and we could have a chance. We will need Germany to have an off night but we did beat them in qualifying. I’m expecting a highly entertaining game but expect us in all probability to narrowly lose. Still, we should have enough quality to finish second in the group.
PREDICTION: Germany 3-2 Poland
LIKELY POLAND XI: Szczesny; Piszczek, Glik, Pazdan, Jedrejczyk; Maczynski, Krychowiak; Blaszczykowski, Kaputska, Grosicki; Lewandowski.
POLAND PLAYER TO WATCH: Robert Lewandowski – He has scored for fun in the German Bundesliga for many years so knows these players and how to get better of them. Bagged a goal against them in qualifying too.
GERMANY PLAYER TO FEAR: Toni Kroos – The Real Madrid star was exceptional against Ukraine and offers so much going forward, as well as defensively.
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: Barasti Beach Stadium
