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Austria v Germany - Vienna

The surprises in this tournament keep coming - how good are the Spanish and the Dutch and also how average are Germany at the moment?

Revelations from captain Michael Ballack and defender Philipp Lahm that they felt the team were already in the quarter-finals before their 2-1 defeat to Croatia explain a lot.

They took their foot off the gas, found themselves 2-0 down and now need a meaningful result against the co-hosts to progress.

Some layers are as short 1/3 about them getting the victory and have clearly taken the viewpoint that the Germans are unlikely to foul up knowing exactly what is required for them to progress.

Coach Joachim Low will expect a far more proactive approach with Ballack - who has seriosuly underperformed - needing to set a much better example in the middle of the park.

On the other hand, Austria have punched above expectations and certainly deserve to be in with a chance of making the knockout phase at the expense of their neighbours.

On another day they might have pinched an equaliser against Croatia in the opener while they kept their hopes alive with a late leveller against Poland.

Josef Hickersberger's men certainly don't lack for spirit and motivation but still look unlikely to spring a 10/1 upset now Germany have the correct mindset.

A win to nil for the latter at Paddy Power's 11/10 looks the way to go.

Verdict: Austria 0 Germany 2

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