Match Previews

Barely overcame Saudi Arabia in their last friendly match. Benedickt Höwedes and Mario Götze among those not in Russia. Mesut Özil was missing for Germany's final friendly game, but is fit here. Facing arguably their toughest group game here.

Germany only just managed to squeeze past Saudi Arabia in their final warm up game last week. The performance was well under par for a side among the favourites for the title.

Indeed the reigning champions have been playing poorly throughout their preparation and heading into the game against Saudi Arabia were on their worst run of form since 1988. Joachim Löw's team had not won any of their previous 5 matches.

But despite the concerns of late Löw's side head into the competition with an excellent qualifying record of 10 wins in 10 games. In addition Germany were the winners of the Confederations Cup in June of last year, also held in Russia. The team will be at the same training facility and will be well at home.

Scorer of the winning goal from the final in 2014 Mario Götze is one of a handful of players not in the World Cup squad. Andre Schürrle and exiting youngster Leroy Sane were also both left out.

Mesut Özil missed the final warm up game against Saudi Arabia. The playmaker has now rejoined training though and is fully fit for this match. He is expected to start in his usual role behind the striker.

But Löw has plenty of options all across the team and a few players have recently impressed in warm up games and training. Julian Draxler has been confirmed to have a starting spot. But Marco Reus also has a strong chance to start should the coach want to throw a little surprise. Midfielders Ilkay Gundogan and Leon Goretzka are also in the running.

The back four however is stable and Löw will send out his strongest unit. Some fitness doubts with Manuel Neuer persisted before the competition, but has had a lot of minutes recently. This will be his biggest test of the season though.

Germany faced Mexico in the Confederations Cup last June at the semi final stage. On that occasion Löw's side were comfortable 4 - 1 winners with Leon Goretzka and Timo Werner among the scorers who are both in the squad for this competition as well.