Michael Ballack said the added pressure felt among the Germany squad following the loss to Croatia will spur them on against Austria in the Group B decider.

Germany’s surprise2-1 defeat means that they must collect at least a point against the tournament hosts.

“Everybody is a tense after this loss,” said the Germany captain.

“If it were different, there would be no reaction. But we go into the game with the pressure to win, which brings more percentage points out of you.”

He added: “We have this pressure but we have shown in the past that we can deal with it.

“I hope that we show a reaction and win the game.”

The Chelsea player admitted that the mood of the German camp had changed following their loss to the Croats.

“Football is not always harmonious,” said Ballack, ahead of Monday’s game in Vienna.

“The voices in the team have got louder and people have been giving their opinion, but it is all constructive.

“What is decisive is that it is positive and aimed at the success of the side, but every player knows it and the important thing is that a reaction comes of it.”

“We have lost a game, but still have a chance. We are still in the tournament and the situation has not changed.”

Austria will be hoping for a repeat of the 1978 World Cup match that saw them beat their rivals 3-2 which resulted in the Germans elimination from the competition.

However, Germany coach Joachim Low is adamant their will be no repeat result.

“We will not be going out of the tournament. We won’t be thinking of what might happen,” he said.

“The Austrians will be playing for their lives but we’ll get the point we need and we’ll reach the quarterfinals.”

Source: BBC Sport