Training in Germany

The game kicks off at 23.45 Baku time (18.45 GMT) in the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne.

Azerbaijan's chief coach Berti Vogts, who coached Germany to victory in Euro-96, was realistic in his pre-match press conference.

"We're not likely to make the Euro-2012 finals but if we don't get Germany in our next qualifying group, then we can compete for a higher group position," Vogts said.

"I watched the German team at the World Cup in South Africa. It was a pity Germany didn't become world champions, but they are undoubtedly one of the strongest teams in the world."

When Vogts took over the Azerbaijani team two years ago, they were ranked 145th by football's international body, FIFA, but now they are 105th.

"I think Azerbaijan will reach the middle tier in European football in four to five years. The country doesn't have enough pitches or places for young players to train,” Vogts said.

He repeated his concerns about fitness levels, first voiced after Azerbaijan's 1-1 draw in a friendly with Kuwait in August. "It's good to see that the players are getting more confident in their abilities. But in the short time that we're together, it's difficult to have much influence on their physical fitness."

Azerbaijani captain Rashad Sadigov declined to predict a result. He said Azerbaijan would be happy if the German fans were booing their team at the end of the match.

Tonight's match will be refereed by Markus Strombergsson of Sweden.

Germany have already played their opening game in Group A, beating Belgium 1:0 in Brussels on Friday.

Turkey at present top Group A, having beaten Kazakhstan 3:0 away on Friday.

In other Group A matches tonight, Turkey are at home to Belgium, while Austria host Kazakhstan.

Elmir Aliyev
News.Az