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Southampton: Steven Davis prepared for difficult Germany game

By Chris Hughes

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MARCH 26: Steve Davis of Northern Ireland during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Northern Ireland and Norway at Windsor Park on March 26, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MARCH 26: Steve Davis of Northern Ireland during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Northern Ireland and Norway at Windsor Park on March 26, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) /
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Ahead of the first round of international fixtures, Southampton captain Steven Davis has spoken highly of his national opposition.

Northern Ireland face Germany tonight with the former looking to cement their second-placed finish ahead of qualification for next year’s World Cup in Russia.

Steven Davis and his side have 19 points from eight games and have conceded just twice along the way – an impressive tally considering they have had to face the likes of Norway and the Czech Republic.

However tonight they will once again face off against the Germans, who have scored 35 goals so far in Group C, the joint-most with Belgium of any European team in qualification.

Joachim Loew’s side have an unblemished record of eight wins from eight going into the game, with Southampton captain Stevn Davis wary of their ability.

"“When you play Germany, it’s like you’re up against an extra man. They’re very clever in their movements and the positions they take up. You have to be fully concentrated for the whole match.“It will be physically and mentally draining and if you switch off for one second, they can hurt you.” – Davis"

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Germany head coach Joachim Loew (L) looks on from the stands prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at Etihad Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Germany head coach Joachim Loew (L) looks on from the stands prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at Etihad Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

The German’s were 2-0 victors the last time the two teams met which was way back last October – it’s the only goals Northern Ireland have conceded so far in qualification.

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But just four months prior the two teams met in the European Championship’s group stages, with the World Champions rolling out as winners once again with Michael O’Neill’s side unable to break down the infamous German defence again.

Although the Northern Irish side are nine points above Azerbaijan in the standings for next year’s tournament, Davis and his side will want to play for pride more than anything, and prove they aren’t the just the ‘best of the rest’ in a relatively average group that also features San Marino.

An away trip north to Norway will be next up for Davis and co., with the Scandinavian’s having only mustered two wins for eight so far over the past year of qualifying.

Northern Ireland versus Germany kicks off at 7:45 PM tonight.

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