Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann has told his players to look at Wednesday's game against Poland from the point of view of their opponents -- and brace themselves for a desperate fight.
Poland's 2-0 defeat by Ecuador in Group A led to a deluge of criticism, particularly for coach Pawel Janas, and they are in danger of a first-round exit for the second straight World Cup.
Hosts Germany are basking in the warm glow of a 4-2 win over Costa Rica in the tournament's opening match but Klinsmann knows a different style of game awaits them in Dortmund.
"You just have to put yourselves inside the heads of the Polish players," Klinsmann said at a news conference on Tuesday. "They know they are really up against it now.
"There's been a lot of aggressive criticism, fuelled by the media, and these players are going to be very tense.
"They'll be desperate to get out there on the pitch and give it everything to stay in the tournament. Our players must accept the challenge and prepare for a fight.
"It's going to be a hot evening."
Germany will be buoyed by their extraordinary record in Dortmund. In 13 internationals at the Westfalenstadion they have won 12 and drawn one.
"I hope that with the tremendous backing of the Dortmund public we can get another win," Klinsmann said.
"We see what's happening on TV, where there are World Cup parties in every town and city. People even have flags on their cars and that is very uplifting.
"People are riding a wave of enthusiasm."
