Tonight's choice match at the World Cup for most fans is Germany facing Sweden in Sochi, as the defending champions try to stay alive in Group F. Dropping their opener to Mexico means Die Mannschaft practically have their backs against the wall already, as they look to avoid an early exit. Damion Jones has the details.  

Germany's quality may not be in doubt, but the team's recent results have been less than impressive. Die Mannschaft cruised through their qualifiers by winning all 10 matches, only to see this month's two friendlies before the World Cup produce a 2-1 loss versus Austria, and a laborious win by that same margin over Saudi Arabia. As the 2014 winners try to shrug off last Sunday's tournament opening 1-0 setback against Mexico by taking down Sweden, they will probably need to do so without Mats Hummels, after the central defender who scored twice in the squad's run to the top four years ago, sustained a neck injury in training. But despite their tough start, coach Joachim Loew is not blaming the so-called "Champions Curse", which suggests titleholders always struggle to retain the trophy.

JOACHIM LOEW GERMANY COACH "The situation we are facing now is a very different one. Putting it simply, if you are in such a position -- and everybody is highly motivated to win against the titleholders -- it is very difficult to keep up the hunger and the determination, the passion, in order to repeat the feat."

Meanwhile, Sweden arrived in Sochi shorthanded, as three players remained in Gelendzhik after falling sick. But coach Janne Andersson made plans for defenders Pontus Jansson and Filip Helander, as well as midfielder Marcus Rohden, to join the squad in the Black Sea resort ahead of Saturday night's clash with Germany. Although Jannson was in the starting 11 for the Blagult's 1-0 win over South Korea this past Monday, the other two did not see action. The squad got more bad news when forward Isaac Kiese Thelin hurt his ankle in practice, but the man on the touchline says adjustments are part of the game.

JANNE ANDERSSON SWEDEN COACH "A team as skilled as Germany are going to be able to handle the match in different ways. But we can hope for certain things to occur. Quicker counter-attacks for example, might be very important, and we want to win possession. That's going to be an important part of this contest."

And the side which adapts best, will be in prime position to move forward, as the competition continues in Russia. Damion Jones, CGTN.