Germany has gotten out of the group stage in every World Cup they have participated in since 1938 (They were banned from playing in 1950). However, if they fall to Sweden and if South Korea fails to defeat Mexico, then that will be it. A draw will likely make things difficult for them. 

Mats Hummels is a doubt for Saturday’s match against Sweden with a neck injury. Though Hummels himself remains hopeful he’ll have a part in the match in Sochi, his manager is not so optimistic.

“He will most likely not be able to play,” said Germany manager Joachim Löw. “He craned his neck in training and he’s not able to train today. And while we still have some time we will need players who will be able to go into the aerial duels against Sweden, and that’s why it won’t make a lot of sense, really.”

There might be more than one change to the lineup in any event after a listless performance against Mexico. Löw expects his team to be better in two areas. 

“Our two most important weapons are energy and body language,” said Löw. “That was not the team we know against Mexico. The level of play is still not at a top level at this World Cup. It’s a World Cup of dedication and passion, and attitude plays a major role.”

Sweden may see this as an opportunity to eliminate another world power in soccer the way they did Italy in the qualification playoffs. A win here and anything other than a Korean win against Mexico will guarantee passage to the Round of 16. 

“We will do everything we can, and be as smart as we can with the ball and without it,” said Sweden winger Emil Forsberg. “The longer the match goes, the more desperate they will get if they haven’t scored,”

They may well try to win the match, 1-0, the last time Sweden scored multiple goals in a match was back in October when the put eight past lowly Luxembourg. It’s been binary since for the Swedes in the ten matches since. 

Germany need to show much more than they have in the last few matches. Otherwise, another workmanlike performance by the Swedes will see Die Mannschaft out of the tournament after only two matches.