No changes expected

Germany face Georgia in Leipzig on Sunday in the World Champions' final European Championship qualifying match. After defeat to the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Thursday, Joachim Löw's side lead Poland and the Irish by just a single point in Group D. However the 55-year old coach is not going to change his system for the final match.

"There won't be many changes from the team that faced Ireland," Löw told reporters at a press conference on Saturday. "We're creating chances, that's the most important thing. But we need to sharpen our concentration."

Since the World Cup triumph in July of last year, Germany have been inconsistent in comparison to the performances up to, and in Brazil. In the 13 matches already played since then, Germany have lost four, after being beaten just once in 21 games leading up to the World Cup. Löw has recognised that his team have been lacking, slightly.

"We've certainly lacked efficiency in the months following the World Cup. We need five or six great chances to score and we can't let that happen again against Georgia," explained Löw.

Neuer staying focused

Shane Long's winner on Thursday evening left reporters and fans asking questions of the German defense. Darren Randolph's route-one ball foward should have been dealt with by the back-four, before Long finished superbly passed Manuel Neuer. But the German number one isn't losing focus on the task at hand, despite having a difficult time of late.

"There's no problems with our defense," the Bayern Munich player said. "As a goalkeeper I have to take responsibility. My role hasn't changed."

The illustrious choice of goalkeepers that Löw has at his disposal has been well documented. Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Bernd Leno are the chosen two at this moment, but the likes of Ralf Fährmann, Timo Horn and Kevin Trapp have also been performing well at club level.

With just four clean sheets being collected since the World Cup, in wins over Gibraltar (twice), Georgia and Spain, strutcure is lacking, but while under some pressure Neuer welcomes the competition.

"Ter Stegen and Leno are two very good goalkeepers. We are lucky to have so many in our team. It pushes me and everyone else to work harder so that we can keep our places," Neuer stated.

But if ever there was a clear goal heading into a match, the game in Leipzig on Sunday evening will hold only one reward. With Poland and the Republic of Ireland facing each other at the same time, it's likely that only one team can challenge the Germans for the top qualification spot. But with confidence shaken, a win in front of a strong home crowd before a friendly against next year's tournament hosts France next month, is much needed.