Poland's Robert Lewandowski knows a thing or two about getting the better of German defences, having been the Bundesliga's top scorer in two of the past three seasons. But if the Bayern Munich striker is to open his Euro 2016 account on Thursday he may have to outwit three club team-mates - goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and centre-backs Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels (the latter a recent addition to the Bayern ranks).
Lewandowski was effectively shackled by Northern Ireland in the Poles' opener. Of the 18 shots attempted by Poland, none came from Lewandowski. Instead it was strike partner Arkadiusz Milik who earned them a first European Championship win.
Ajax forward Milik netted six times in qualifying, including the opening goal in a 2-0 win against the Germans in October 2014. German defender Boateng admits "we have to be careful, they have good forwards - and not just Lewandowski."
Germany celebrate their opening goal against Ukraine
TEAM NEWS
Germany centre-back Mats Hummels could return from a calf problem, which would mean Shkodran Mustafi, who scored against Ukraine, drops to the bench.
Mario Gotze was ineffective as a false nine against the Ukrainians, so Germany coach Joachim Low may be tempted to instead select striker Mario Gomez.
Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is ruled out after suffering a thigh injury.
Swansea's Lukasz Fabianski will replace him.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
- Poland ended their 18-match winless run against Germany when they defeated the world champions 2-0 in Warsaw in Euro 2016 qualifying. Arkadiusz Milik and Sebastian Mila scored the goals.
- But the Germans won the return fixture in Frankfurt 3-1, their 13th win in 20 games against the Poles (D6, L1).
- Germany are unbeaten in four meetings with Poland at major tournament finals, keeping clean sheets in all four games. They won 2-0 at Euro 2008, 1-0 at the 2006 World Cup and 1-0 at the 1974 World Cup (as West Germany). West Germany and Poland also drew 0-0 at the 1978 World Cup.
- Germany have kept eight clean sheets in their last 12 games against Poland.
Germany
- Germany have won eight of their last 10 games at the European Championship - with their only defeats in the final in 2008, against Spain, and in the semi-final versus Italy in 2012.
- The last time they failed to find the net at the European Championship was in the 2008 final (a 1-0 defeat by Spain).
- They have also scored in each of their last 14 games at major tournaments.
- Mesut Ozil has registered eight assists in the World Cup and European Championship since 2010 (four in each) - which is more than any other player.
- Thomas Muller hasn't scored or assisted a single goal in six games at the European Championship. He has 10 goals and six assists in 13 World Cup games.
Poland
- Having claimed their first win at the European Championship, Poland are looking to win back-to-back games for the first time.
- Poland have never scored more than one goal in a European Championship match.
- Robert Lewandowski - who did not have a single shot against Northern Ireland on Saturday - has scored in two of his three appearances for Poland against Germany.
- Jakub Blaszczykowski has been directly involved in Poland's last three goals at the Euros (one goal and two assists).
Possible line-ups
Germany: Neuer; Höwedes, Hummels/Mustafi, Boateng, Hector; Kroos, Khedira; Müller, Özil, Draxler; Götze.
Poland: Fabiański; Piszczek, Glik, Pazdan, Jędrzejczyk; Błaszczykowski, Krychowiak, Mączyński, Kapustka; Milik, Lewandowski.
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