No extra heat on second-placed Germany, says Loew

Joachim Loew, coach of the German national soccer team, attends a news conference in Frankfurt, Germany, September 3, 2015. Germany will play a Euro 2016 qualification match against Poland in Frankfurt on Friday. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany coach Joachim Loew has played down the extra pressure facing the world champions as they bid to topple Poland from top spot in Euro 2016 Group D qualifying on Friday.

"Compared to other years it is a bit of a different starting point. We are used to being ahead, in pole position in groups," Loew told reporters on the eve of the match.