History is obviously in favor of the Germans, who have never lost a competitive game to their East European neighbors.

However, Germany will not forget how hard they fought to beat Poland in Dortmund two years ago in the World Cup.

Oliver Neuville's last-gasp strike was enough to lift Germany and send the Polish home, but now the latter, led by veteran Leo Beenhakker, have a chance for vengeance.

Head-to-head:

Germany win: 10

Poland win: 0

Draw: 4

Germany

"Compared to 2006, Poland today have a much stronger team. They have improved and they played extraordinarily well during the qualifying round. I was impressed with how strong they are and how adventurous they are," said Joachim Loew.

"They play a very consistent game. When it comes to their compactness, desire and will to win, I think they are outstanding."

Team News: The National Mannschaft are in full strength for the opener.

Probable Line-up: Lehmann- Lahm, Jansen, Mertesacker, Metzelder- Frings, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Hitzlsperger- Klose, Kuranyi.

Poland

"I know that have never won against Germany, but what we can also say about history is that the two teams have never met each other in this tournament," said Beenhakker.

"We know that in 1996 Germany were champions, but since then they have not won any matches at all in the EURO finals. We're talking about history, and I did my homework."

Team News: The Polish were forced to send reserve keeper Tomasz Kuszczak and midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski home after they suffered injuries in training.

Probable Line-up: Boruc- Bak, Wasilewski, Zewlakow, Wawrzyniak, Bronowicki- Lewandowski, Dudka, Krzynowek, - Smolarek, Zurawski.