Lahm undaunted by Czech 'decider'

Germany left-back Philipp Lahm believes Saturday's UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier in the Czech Republic "might already decide who is going to top the group".

Potential decider
The leading two sides in Group D meet at the Sparta Stadium separated only by goal difference after four matches, with ten points apiece. With each having a game in hand on third-placed the Republic of Ireland, the fixture is being billed as a section decider. Given that Germany were held to a 1-1 draw in Cyprus in their last outing in November, Lahm acknowledges they now face a stern test in Prague. "It looks like it," he told uefa.com. "They have the same amount of points and a good team, so this match might already decide who is going to top the group."

Defeats avenged
The countries have met three times since the former Czechoslovakia split. Germany beat the Czechs 2-0 in the group stage at EURO '96™ then defeated them 2-1 in the final - a result that was partly avenged when the Czechs won 2-1 to end Germany's campaign at the group stage at UEFA EURO 2004™. This time around, Germany coach Joachim Löw has his share of selection headaches. Miroslav Klose and Clemens Fritz are suspended, while there are fitness concerns over Bastian Schweinsteiger (foot), Torsten Frings (thigh) and Christoph Metzelder (eye).

Confident outlook
And with the Czechs naming a full-strength squad, Lahm accepts the threat that they pose but insists Germany will not wilt under the spotlight: "They have great players like Tomáš Rosický and an away game is always a tough task, but we are not a bad team either, and if we play our game we can overcome the Czechs." The Cyprus result has taken some gloss off Löw's bright new era, yet for Lahm, there is no shaking the team's self-belief. "I am not sure if we are the best, but we are a good team with real unity - not just the players but the staff as well. It's great every time we get together."

Lasting enthusiasm
The 23-year-old - who has reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with FC Bayern München - says the excitement engendered by hosting the 2006 FIFA World Cup is still being felt by his team-mates. "Absolutely," he said. "Look at our home games - every match is sold out, like the one against Switzerland. It's just wonderful." So even if the Czechs ask some questions of his side, Lahm does not doubt for a second that Germany will take their place in Austria and Switzerland next summer. "It's not going to be easy, even though people say it will. You cannot underestimate the other teams - we only drew in Cyprus. You have to be focused for every match, but of course I am confident we are going to qualify."