Frosty reception awaits Germany

By Manfred Christoph & Adrian Clarke

After the draw for Group 5 it looked like Germany would have an easy ride to the finals of UEFA EURO 2004™. However, with qualification entering its final stages, Iceland top their group, and could open up a four-point lead on Rudi Völler's men with a win in Reykjavik on Saturday.

Bochum star
Germany travel to Iceland a point adrift of their hosts with a game in hand, but after some less than impressive performances in recent games, VfL Bochum 1848's Icelandic winger Thordur Gudjónsson is hoping that he and his team-mates can cause a real upset in the country he currently calls home.

Icelandic hope
"I expect of course that the Germans do what they always do," he told uefa.com. "If they have to, they always win games. That is what you have to expect, but we want to try our hardest. For the first time we have the chance to qualify and if we are really lucky on the day, then perhaps we will draw."

Ancient history
With the Germans having been far from impressive in their 2-0 win in the Faroe Islands, Iceland may feel that they have a chance of doing even better. The countries' two previous meetings in Reykjavik saw Germany win 5-0 in 1960 and 3-1 in 1979, but Iceland's present side have more to offer than their predecessors.

Determined opponents
Coach Asgeir Sigurvinsson's side have won four of their six qualifying games, thanks in part to two goals from the 29-year-old Gudjónsson and the impressive form of his near namesake from Chelsea FC, Eidur Gudjohnsen. Moreover, what they may lack in big names they have more than made up for in determination.

Late withdrawal
Germany have had mixed fortunes in the run-up to the game. Midfield player Sebastian Deisler is fit to start for the first time since May 2002, but the late withdrawal of Gudjónsson's Bochum team-mate Paul Freier with a broken foot has left Germany short-staffed on the left.

Revenge mission
Any slip-up by Germany would likely be punished by third-placed Scotland, who face the Faroe Islands at home on Saturday ahead of a trip to Germany next week. Humbled by a 2-2 draw against the Faroese in Toftir last year, Don Hutchison has warned supporters that the return in Glasgow will not be pretty.

'We'll be fine'
"The fans are going to have to understand that the Faroes will come here and put eleven men behind the ball, and that's not going to be easy to play against," the West Ham United FC midfield player told uefa.com. "They'll come to frustrate us, but once we get that first goal then I think we'll be fine."

'Important week'
Berti Vogts' side have had an inconsistent Group 5 campaign, but wins against the Faroes and Germany would give them a great chance of travelling to Portugal next year. "This is an important week for Scottish football but I believe this squad is as ready as it will ever be to do the job," said Hutchison.

Pressure game
"I'm confident of getting a good result against the Faroes but I'm equally sure that we can go out to Germany and produce a great night for the Tartan Army. We play our best football as underdogs and I'm certain the team will rise the occasion in front of our brilliant travelling fans. All the pressure will be on the Germans."

Don Hutchison's website is at www.icons.com