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Low hints at Cacau start

Image: Cacau: Scored against Aussies

Joachim Low has hinted Cacau will replace Miroslav Klose for Germany's must-win game against Ghana.

Germany coach confident of progression

Germany coach Joachim Low has hinted Cacau will replace suspended starter Miroslav Klose for the must-win game against Ghana. The Germans take on Africa's best hope for a spot in the last 16 in Johannesburg on Wednesday and the tournament's early impressers face a battle to book their place in the next round of the competition. After romping to a 4-0 victory against Australia in their opening match, the three-time World Cup winners lost to Serbia, leaving them requiring a three-point haul against the Black Stars to guarantee safe passage into the knock-out stage. With first-choice striker Klose serving a one-match suspension, Low has indicated Brazilian-born striker Cacau is likely to get the nod over Mario Gomez or Stefan Kiessling in the pivotal Group D showdown at Soccer City. "Right now I have a tendency that Cacau can play from the beginning but Gomez and Stefan Kiessling have also shown commitment and could be there from the start," said Low, who also revealed he may switch to a two-pronged attack against Ghana. "I could change positions. The last training is very important. After a defeat you consider all the possibilities. Right now, I have a tendency toward Cacau."

No nerves

Klose, the top scorer at the 2006 World Cup, was sent off in a 1-0 loss to Serbia that has the Germans in the danger zone, but Low insists nerves will not be an issue for his young side as they bid for their fourth World Cup crown. "When I talk to the players I do not get the impression they are nervous or worried after the defeat against Serbia. Although it is very young, the team has this confidence and inner conviction that it can beat Ghana," he said. "I think we've digested and worked on the defeat to Serbia in the last two or three days, we're focused, we've prepared for the game against Ghana, a match which will not be easy. "Ghana are a good team who have played well but we are convinced we can win this game and can get into the next round." He added: "I believe the pressure is always there in any game. Lots of teams are in a similar situation and need to win their third game, England, France, Italy...they all have a lot of pressure and have to win their third game. "Our players can deal with the situation, as far as I can see. I don't see a lot of nervousness, I feel concentration and conviction. "Players like Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arne Friedrich all give me the impression they can lead the team. We know we have the potential, the quality and the ability to beat Ghana."

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