Germany got off to a flying start at the European Under-21s Championship and will have a quarter-final berth in their sights when taking on the Czech Republic at the MOL Arena in Dunajska Streda.
The Germans suffered a group-stage exit at the 2023 European Under-21s Championship after taking just one point from three matches.
And one of their two defeats was a 2-1 reverse at the hands of the Czech Republic, who were also unable to reach the knockout rounds.
Germany have responded from their poor showing two summers ago though by going on a 16-game unbeaten run.
And they will be looking for revenge against the Czechs, who have their backs against the wall after Thursday’s 3-1 loss to England.
Team news
The Czechs could be pondering a few changes and Hamburg’s creative midfielder Adam Karabec will be among the players hoping to benefit.
Midfielder Matej Sin had to withdraw from the squad and was replaced by Albert Labik.
Germany have reported no fresh injuries and may stick with the bulk of the team which started against Slovenia.
The stats
Czech Republic U-21s have lost their last two matches by a two-goal margin.
The Czechs have conceded two goals or more in each of their last three fixtures.
Germany U-21s have won their last three games.
The Germans have scored two goals or more in nine of their last 10 matches.
Eight of the last nine matches involving Germany U-21s have featured at least three goals.
Prediction
Germany announced themselves at the European Under-21s Championship with a convincing victory over Slovenia and they can follow up by defeating the Czech Republic in a similar manner.
Nick Woltemade was the midweek hat-trick hero for Germany, taking his U-21s goal tally to 10 from 13 appearances.
And the Stuttgart attacker will be looking forward to taking on the Czechs, who are showing vulnerability in defence.
The Czech Republic played some decent football in Thursday’s 3-1 loss to England and were able to register seven shots on target.
But they struggled to cope with the pace and physicality of the Three Lions and may be exposed by the Germans, who bagged 35 goals in 10 qualifying games.
Germany caught out Slovenia with a direct approach and their clever tactics can pay off against the Czechs, who may be eliminated with a game to spare.