European champions Spain will host world champions Germany in a friendly affair at Celta Vigo's Balaidos stadium on Tuesday night.
Spain are going through a bit of a rebuilding process, after their poor performances and early exit at the 2014 World Cup, where they were the defending champions. With the likes of Xavi, Xabi Alonso and David Villa hanging up their boots in the summer, La Roja chiefs are looking at the youth, in their attempts to make yet another all-conquering side.
Vicente del Bosque's men lost four out of six matches during and after the world Cup but has now bounced back with a 4-0 win over Luxembourg and a 3-0 triumph over Belarus in the recent European Championship qualifiers.
The former Real Madrid manager is now determined to continue Spain's good run of results against Germany, especially with the Mannschaft boss Joachim Low looking to avenge his side's 1-0 defeats to La Roja in the last two meetings - the 2008 Euro final and the 2010 World Cup semifinal.
"There are no friendlies at this level, and they will also want to make amends for their recent matches, it's going to be a great spectacle," del Bosque pointed out.
Germany, on the other hand, are in a bit of a mini-slump of late, losing two of their five matches after the World Cup, also drawing one. Though the 4-2 defeat at the hands of Argentina was in a friendly, the 2-0 loss in Poland and the 1-1 draw at home to the Republic of Ireland in the Euro 2016 qualifiers have been a blow to Low and his players.
The reigning world champions are now determined to end their big year on a high; especially playmaker Mario Gotze who had an unforgettable 2014. The 22-year-old had lifted the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal titles with Bayern Munich last season, before scoring the winning goal for Germany in extra time of the World Cup final.
"I think it's great that to end this amazing year, we have such a highlight with the national team. With a good game against Spain, we can bring a worthy conclusion to the year in which we became world champions," Gotze stressed.
"We're up against a really top side, against a team who have dominated world football in recent years. To be able to measure ourselves at this level and prove ourselves is always amazing. I'm really looking forward to it."
Team News
Spain: David de Gea is injured, after dislocating a finger during training on Friday. del Bosque could start the same XI which took to the field against Belarus last week, though the likes of Jose Callejon, Nolito and Ignacio Camacho are all pushing for chances.
Germany: Both Sami Khedira and Shkodran Mustafi are doubtful for this tie, while some others have been withdrawn from the squad after the 4-0 win over Gibraltar last week. Low could name a young lineup for this friendly, after confirming that both Kevin Volland and Antonio Rudiger will start.
Probable Lineups
Spain: Casillas; Juanfran, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Koke, Isco; Pedro, Alcacer, Cazorla
Germany: Weidenfeller; Rudiger, Mustafi, Howedes, Durm; Kroos, Khedira; Muller, Gotze, Bellarabi; Volland
Where to Watch Live
Spain vs Germany is set for a 1.15am IST (7.45pm BST, 2.45pm EST) start, with live coverage on Ten Action in India. The match can also be watched via live streaming online on Ten Sports Live.
Watch the action in the US on ESPN Deportes, while the game can also be live streamed online on Watch ESPN or using ESPN3 Online-App.
Viewers in the UAE can watch the match on Abu Dhabi Sports 1, while African viewers can catch the tie live on SuperSport 6 Africa or SuperSport online.
