Bale fancies underdogs Wales to topple Germany

Defender Gareth Bale says underdogs Wales have nothing to lose as they look to topple Group Four leaders Germany in Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier.

The Welsh struggled to a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein in Cardiff on Saturday which put them second in the group behind the Germans who defeated Russia 2-1 in Dortmund.

But Bale insists Wales can afford to throw caution to the wind and attack hosts Germany in Moenchengladbach.

“We're going there looking for a result,” said Bale.

“And there's no reason why we can't do that.

“There's no pressure on us, we're the underdogs and we just need to go out there and play our own football.”

Bale injured an ankle and missed the game when Wales drew 0-0 with Germany in Frankfurt 11 months ago in their final Euro 2008 qualifying match, but says the experience of earning a point away has boosted the Welsh.

“Knowing we've enjoyed a positive result against them so recently will give us a lot of confidence,” he said.

And Bale's Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Chris Gunter agreed Wales can leave Moenchengladbach with a point after losing 2-1 to Russia in Moscow last month.

“If we are to qualify, we need to pick up points away from home,” Gunter told BBC Sport.

“We were unlucky in Russia, and there's no reason why we can't go to Germany and pick something up. We have no fear and are going there to get something.”

Germany showed weaknesses for John Toshack's team to exploit against Russia in a Jekyll-and-Hyde performance.

First-half goals by Chelsea star Michael Ballack and Bayern Munich's Lukas Podolski capped an impressive first 45 minutes which the home side dominated.

But their defence creaked, especially down the right flank, as Russia attacked the home side in the second-half and only some good work from Germany goalkeeper Rene Adler, on his debut, prevented Russia from equalising.

Ballack is an injury doubt for Wednesday night's game having damaged a calf muscle against Russia and sat out training on Monday.

Schalke 04 striker Kevin Kuranyi has been told by Germany coach Joachim Loew he will not be selected for his country again after walking out of the squad during Saturday's win over Russia.

Welsh captain Craig Bellamy, who made his first start for Wales since October last year against Liechtenstein, is set to start as his country's lone striker in a 4-5-1 formation.

Loew has said he expects his side to take another three points from Wales and a win would put them at least three points clear at the top of the table regardless of what happens when Russia play Finland the same night in Moscow.

“The Welsh play differently from the Russians, they are a typically British team who prevent goals being scored with hard work and a robust defence,” said Loew.