Joachim Loew says Scotland’s defeat to Georgia will only increase their threat to Germany in their Euro 2016 qualifier at Hampden Park tonight.
An unexpected 1-0 defeat in Tbilisi on Friday left the Scots in fourth place in Group D, a point behind the Republic of Ireland, as the world champions leapfrogged opponents Poland into first with a 3-1 win.
Germany coach Loew looked forward to his first appearance at Hampden, where he expects Gordon Strachan’s side to be determined to make up for the Georgian disappointment.
“Going to Hampden is a first for me,” Loew said. “I haven’t been fortunate enough to go there as a player or coach.
“I’m looking forward to it, with the unique atmosphere, pride and passion of not just the Scottish players but the Scottish public.
“I don’t think Scotland losing to Georgia will be of any advantage to us, not in the least. That won’t do their fighting spirit or passion any damage at all.
“I know that the squad and the coach will be disappointed about that result but if anything, it will make them even more dangerous.
“I think they will quickly put their Georgia defeat aside and they will want to reboot themselves and their team.
“The crowd will get behind their team as one man especially as Scotland are fighting their last chance in many eyes.”
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Portugal will seek to avenge their defeat at home to Albania last year and take a firm grip on first place in Euro 2016 Group I when the teams square off in Elbasan today.
The Albanians, who pulled off a surprise 1-0 victory in the opening qualifier between the sides in 2014, can take top spot in the pool with a home victory over the Portuguese.
Portugal are one point clear of Albania, with both sides having a game in hand on the other teams in the group.
Denmark are second in the five-team pool, level on 11 points with third-place Albania.
“We are not happy with the loss to France,” Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma said of Friday’s 1-0 loss in a friendly.
“But the important thing is that we gain confidence from our performance and give everything we have to beat Albania. This is a big game for us and we have a great national team and fantastic players.”
Denmark, yet to concede on the road, will be looking for an improved performance against Armenia in Yerevan tonight.
In Group F, Northern Ireland are one point clear of Romania at the top as they prepare for the game at Windsor Park in Belfast against Hungary.
Romania drew 0-0 in Hungary on Friday, a result that allowed Northern Ireland to leapfrog them into first place following their 3-1 triumph over the Faroe Islands.
The Romanians host winless Greece in Bucharest.
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