Russia | vs | Germany |
| Date / Time: | Competition: | Live / Repeat: |
| October 10, 2009 - 12:00pm | World Cup Qualifying | Live |
Russia will welcome Group 4 leaders Germany at the Luzhniki Stadium in a decisive World Cup qualifier.
In a table like Group 4 where other countries are already out of contention mathematically, the attention turns very much to the top where two fierce teams eye nothing but automatic qualification.
Both Russia and Germany have recorded seven wins in eight world cup qualifiers. The Germans’ dominance is mainly due to their goal scoring instinct. Germany have an average of three goals per game as they have scored 24 goals so far – six more than their nearest challengers Russia.
With only two more games to be played in the group, Joachim Low’s German squad seat just on top of the standings with only one point separating them from the Red Army. Germany’s top position is the result of their unbeaten run in the European World Cup qualifiers.
If Guus Hiddink’s Russia want to qualify automatically to the finals of the World Cup in South Africa, then they might well have to break the Mannschaft’s unbeaten record.
A victory for Russia against their German foes will put them on 24 points, two points above the current group leaders. Meanwhile, three points for Germany will create a four-point gap and ultimately see them reach the finals of the World Cup in South Africa in style with a game to go.
Miroslav Klose is heading closer to clinching the European World Cup qualifiers top scorer title. The Bayern Munich striker has six goals in his name in the campaign.
Podolski and Ballack are also poised to prove themselves. The pair scored a goal each in the first leg of this encounter to ensure a 2-1 victory for Germany.
For Russia, the spotlight will be on Euro 2008 sensation Andrei Arshavin. The new Russia captain is preparing for this titanic clash and he expects the best for his side.
"Our main target for October 10 will be to enjoy our football and pick up a good result,” the Arsenal midfielder declared this week.
