Low relishing 'week of truth'

Berlin - Germany coach Joachim Low is relishing the world champions' "week of truth" in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign when they host Group D leaders Poland on Friday before playing Scotland away.

Germany, who have 13 points from their six qualifiers so far, find themselves in the unusual position of being second behind Poland (14) in the table and just two ahead of Scotland (11), who they play in Glasgow on Monday.

Back-to-back victories over their main rivals would give Low's side control of the group, while defeat to Poland would be a significant setback for Germany with only three more games to follow.

The state of affairs represents a 'special challenge', rather than pressure, according to Low, even though the Germans are used to strolling through the qualifiers for previous major finals undefeated.

"We are in arrears with the points, which is why we are in our week of truth," said Low.

"We don't stand with our backs to the wall, it's all in our own hands and we want to pick up maximum points."

"It's a special challenge, I don't feel the pressure.

"For us, it's a different position than in previous years, we are no longer in pole position.

"But we are happy to be in a situation that demands we play decisive matches, it's a motivation for us."

The two key tasks facing Low's Germany are to break down the tight Polish defence, which has leaked just three goals in six games, and to "prevent Poland counter-attacking, which they are very, very good at doing", according to Low.