Joachim Low fears Scotland could shock Germany

Germany's head coach Joachim Loew answers questions during a press conference ahead of the games against Argentina and Scotland. Picture: Getty

Low believes his team are physically and mentally drained from their exertions in Brazil where they clinched their fourth World Cup, and could suffer as a result.

Germany face Scotland on Sunday in Dortmund and Loew will run the rule over his squad in their friendly game against Argentina tonight, before deciding on the team to face Strachan’s men.

Low said: “Scotland are the kind of team Germany has always struggled against. With their sheer commitment and their running – they are a team who never give up no matter what the score is.

“They are difficult opponents for us on Sunday. We’ve gone from being hunter to potential prey.”

Low has already lost a trio of stars in Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker and Miroslav Klose to retirement and several others are struggling with knocks picked up during the summer. The German coach has Marco Reus back from injury and has recalled Mario Gomez to the squad in a bid to give himself fresh options. He believes the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign is far from a forgone conclusion and expects both Scotland and Ireland to make it tough for them, he added: “If you look at this group and Scotland and Ireland, they come across as similar teams. They have similar playing styles, who excel for their passion and physicality of their football.

“We know this group is anything but easy because all the teams will try as hard as they can to make life difficult for us.”