Ahead of their Group C clash on Monday, Germany and Northern Ireland 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 and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Share with us your thoughts and predictions by commenting below, using #360fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.
GERMANY – Frank Scheunert (Hedge Fund Manager, Dubai)
As so often happens, Germany dominated possession in both of their opening games, boasting 65 percent possession of the ball. While that was reflected in the 2-0 score against Ukraine, we failed to convert it into a result against Poland, being held to a dour 0-0 draw in Paris that saw only two shots on goal.
Overall we haven’t played incredible football so far despite having a comfortable four points on the board but a better performance against Northern Ireland would really help lift the belief of the players and the fans that this Germany team can go all the way.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Germany always get better as a tournament goes on and it’s time for them to put on a show. It won’t be easy against a defensively strong Northern Ireland, who we last beat in a friendly at Windsor Park 11 years ago. In fact, we’e won our last four games against Michael O’Neill’s men with a goal aggregate of 18-2!
On the personnel front, Mario Gotze could be dropped to the bench following his poor performance against Poland and it may now be time for Joachim Low to opt for an out and out striker in Mario Gomez, whose physicality could compete with the Northern Ireland defence.
PREDICTION: Germany 3-1 Northern Ireland
LIKELY GERMANY XI: Neuer; Höwedes, Boateng, Mustafi, Hummels; Khedira, Kroos; Müller, Özil, Draxler; Gomez
GERMANY PLAYER TO WATCH: Thomas Mueller – The Bayern Munich man has had not much of a chance so far and it’s surprising that he hasn’t ever scored in a European Championship game given his devastating World Cup record. Expect that to change against Northern Ireland.
NORTHERN IRELAND PLAYER TO FEAR: Gareth McAuley – His Premier League experience has been crucial for Northern Ireland. He is solid in defence and also showed against Ukraine that he can be a real danger from set-pieces. Germany will need to mark him tightly.
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: ON42 at the Media One Hotel in Dubai. There will be LOTS of Germans!
NORTHERN IRELAND – Stephen McWilliam (Fire Station Manager, Dubai)
After a superb display against Ukraine, Northern Ireland could now feasibly get through to the knockout stage of a major international tournament. It’s fantastic. A win may be beyond us but I don’t think it’s unrealistic to target a draw. Then, regardless of the result between Poland and Ukraine, Northern Ireland would finish in third place in the group.
All of the pressure will be on Germany, who have flattered to deceive so far, and with Northern Ireland capable of frustrating big teams with their organised defence and midfield, who knows what might happen on the night.
O’Neill made five changes to the team that lost 1-0 to Poland with Kyle Lafferty replacing Conor Washington in attack, who along with Jamie Ward was a constant threat to the Ukrainian defence. Questions were asked when we failed to land a single shot on goal against Poland, but our manager answered them resoundingly with his team selection against Ukraine and it’s likely the same XI will start against Germany.
PREDICTION: Germany 1-1 Northern Ireland
NORTHERN IRELAND PLAYER TO WATCH: Steven Davis – The skipper will once again be our main threat from midfield with his decisive passing and an eye for goal. It’s a big night for him, leading his country against the world champions at a major championship.
GERMANY PLAYER TO FEAR: Mesut Ozil – The Arsenal playmaker will be very difficult for the Irish to contain, his pinpoint passing and goal threat are always a danger. Ozil has been a little quiet so far in France, but of course already has an assist to his name. Here’s hoping he doesn’t add a goal to his stats column!
LIKELY NORTHERN IRELAND XI: McGovern; Cathcart, J. Evans, McCauley, Hughes; Dallas, Norwood, Davis, C. Evans, Ward; Washington.
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: The Media One Hotel is proving a big hit with all the Home Nations.
