Friday 17 June 2016 14:07, UK
World champions Germany continue their bid to claim the European crown as they take on fierce rivals Poland in Group C at Euro 2016.
Joachim Low's side secured a 2-0 win in their opening game against Ukraine, and are widely expected to progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Germany's Polish-born striker Lukas Podolski, however, says his side must treat Thursday's opponents with respect - and is hoping his native country follow Die Mannschaft into the next round of the tournament.
"They have made a big leap in the past years, many players play abroad and more youngsters are coming up," said Podolski.
"They are the most dangerous opponents in our group. I hope we will advance to the next round, with Poland in second place.
"They want more than just playing in the group stage. They have the quality to go beyond the round of 16."
Poland's Robert Lewandowski, one of the most feared strikers in the competition, says Germany are the team to beat at Euro 2016, but has told his side to keep their composure during the clash at the Stade de France.
"Germany are in my opinion the favourites for the whole tournament," the Bayern Munich striker said. "We know how strong they are at the moment but anything can happen.
"We have to remain calm and self-confident, just like against Northern Ireland (won 1-0). No fear, no stress and if we get a chance we can make it. But we should not forget to enjoy ourselves."
Team news
Low could recall Mats Hummels to the starting XI after the Bayern Munich defender missed the opening game through injury, with Shkrodan Mustafi - a goalscorer against Ukraine - likely to drop to the bench.
Poland could be without first-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny after a thigh injury kept him out of training this week, with Swansea's Lukasz Fabianski likely to deputise for the Arsenal 'keeper.
Opta stats
Poland have only won one of their 20 games against Germany (D6 L13), it was in October 2014 (Euro qualifiers).
However, Poland have only lost once in their last four matches versus Germany (W1 D2).
Poland have never beaten Germany at a major tournament (D1 L3 at World Cup/Euros). They've also never scored against them in those tournaments.
Podolski's brace saw Germany claim a 2-0 win over Poland in Euro 2008; the only other instance of these teams meeting in the competition. It's also the only time Poland have conceded more than one goal in the competition.
Germany have won eight of their last 10 games in the European Championships, losing twice (2008 final v Spain & 2012 semi-final v Italy).
Germany have only failed to score once in their last 13 games at the Euros, it was in the 2008 final against Spain (1-0 defeat).
Poland won their opening game against Northern Ireland, putting to an end their run of six games without a victory in the European Championships. It was also the first time they kept a clean sheet in the tournament.
Lewandowski has scored in two of his three appearances for Poland against Germany. He didn't have a single shot in his first game at this year's tournament against Northern Ireland.
Mesut Özil has delivered eight assists in the World Cup and Euros since 2010 (4 in each competition), more than any other player.
Paul Merson's prediction
In the second half against Ukraine, Germany were outstanding! The way they moved the ball around the park was exceptional. However, they still lack a cutting edge up front in a similar way to Spain and also Arsenal in the Premier League. They've just not got that instinct up front but Germany always beat Poland…
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0 (Sky Bet's odds: 6/1)
Betting
Germany are Sky Bet's 8/15 favourites for the victory with Poland a 11/2 chance while a draw is priced up at 100/30. Thomas Muller heads the first goalscorer betting at 7/2 with Robert Lewandoski considered the main Polish threat at 11/2 and the strike duo have been enhanced from 5/1 to 6/1 to both find the net in Sky Bet's Price Boosts. Joachim Low's men are currently considered 4/1 second favourites to win Euro 2016 while their opponents are given a 40/1 chance.
