Germany, with youngsters such Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller and Holger Badstuber given key roles, could hardly have had a better start to the competition as they thumped Australia 4-0 in their opening match.

That was probably the best performance from any side in the first round of fixtures in South Africa, but the European superpowers were brought crashing back to earth in their next match as they lost 1-0 to Serbia in a clash which saw Miroslav Klose sent off and Lukas Podolski miss a penalty for Low's team.

The defeat left Germany level on three points with the Serbians and one point adrift of Group D leaders Ghana, and means Die Nationalmannschaft could be a shock early casualty of the World Cup unless they can beat the African outfit at Soccer City.

The pressure is on, but Low is getting a good vibe from his players, many of whom are playing in their first World Cup.

"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."

Lowled his side through a similar situation at Euro 2008.

Having won their opening Group B match against Poland, Germany then lost 2-1 to Croatia in their next match, setting up a winner-takes-all showdown with co-hosts Austria in their final fixture.

Germany won that game 1-0 thanks to Michael Ballack and they would ultimately go on to reach the final, where they were defeated by Spain.

Low preferred not to compare the situations though, pointing out there are different players and different teams involved.

Looking ahead, the Germany boss admits he is expecting a tough game against a physical Ghana side who could well be the only African team to make it through to the last 16 if they can avoid defeat tomorrow.

"We know that Ghana might be Africa`s last hope in this tournament as the other teams aren`t in as good a position as them," he said.

"We`ve seen in the African Nations Cup as well that Ghana have a team that is highly motivated and who can deal with situations involving pressure.

"They will want to make the most of this opportunity, and many of of their players play in Europe and are used to this situation.

"I think it will be a very intense game. Ghana are a very physically strong team, a very robust team who likes to tackle.

"They have fast players and I think it will be a fast game. I don`t think Ghana will be as attacking because I think they can live with only one point. It will be a demanding game both physically and mentally."

With neither side set to give or receive any quarter in tomorrow`s game, both teams run the risk of picking up cautions.

Low, who feels there have been some soft yellow cards handed out in the World Cup so far, revealed he has spoken to his players about this following the two first-half bookings that saw Klose sent off against Serbia.

However, he also concedes they cannot afford to hold back against the Ghanaians either.

"I reminded my team after the Serbia game what can happen when you go into tackles, that a yellow or red card can happen," he said.

"My personal opinion is that yellow cards are being shown very quickly here and I think in some situations it would be a good idea to show more restraint.

"I`m reminded of the foul against Elano in the Brazil-Ivory Coast match, it looked really violent and I don`t think a yellow card was given, while there have been some tackles when yellow cards have been given too rapidly.

"It`s not good for the game, I think tough tackles have to be made. We need to be careful not to be too reserved as this could be an advantage for Ghana."

Low looks set to start with Cacau up front in place of the suspended Klose, but said he will make his final decision on team selection following this evening`s training session