If Germany wants to take complete control of Group C in UEFA World Cup qualifying, they’ll have to control Zlatan Ibrahimović.
Germany vs. Sweden, 2014 UEFA World Cup qualifying: Preview and TV schedule
Germany came take a commanding lead at the top of Group C with a victory over Sweden.
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Zlatan's excellent form at the moment is reason to be concerned, but Sweden was hardly impressive against the lowly Faroe Islands on Friday, needing a late goal from Zlatan to salvage full points. Germany's task of controlling Zlatan will he helped by the return of captain Philipp Lahm who as serving a suspension during his team's 6-1 demolition of Ireland on Friday.
Joachim Loew has only one major injury concern going in to the match with Sami Khedira suffering from a calf strain. He left the Ireland match at halftime and while the injury wasn't as serious as first feared, Khedria is still not expected to play against Sweden. Mario Goetze is expected to be available despite some muscle soreness.
Sweden sit in second place, three points behind Germany. Erik Hamren will expect and demand a better performance from his team after their precarious 2-1 win over the Faroe Islands. A win would be huge for the Swedes, but it won’t be an easy task against one of the world’s best sides.
Sami Khedira is not expected to be available after suffering a calf strain in the first half against Ireland. The injury is not as severe as first feared, but he’s not expected to play Tuesday. That said, Germany are refusing to rule him out, simply saying that his status is in doubt and he’s receiving treatment.
Match Date/Time: 9:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Olmypic Stadium, Berlin, Germany
TV: Sportsnet One (Canada)
Online: ESPN3 (U.S.)
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