The Zambia U-20 today tackles Germany in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup at the Jeju World Cup Stadium in Korea.

Both sides have spoken highly of each other in the pre-match build up but the real act will be decided on the pitch.

Zambia and Germany arrived at this stage with contrasting fortunes with the African champions topping their group while the European side had to go through the backdoor as one of the third best losers. That won’t count for much on the pitch.

Coach Beston Chambeshi will have all his players available for selection with team Doctor Mwila Lupasha handing the team a clean bill of health.

Given the magnitude of the match that sees whoever falls out pack their bags, both sides will be at their sharpest.

Skipper Solomon Sakala will be back at the heart of defence after missing out on the last match against Costa Rica due to suspension.

Upfront the onus to lead the attack with fall on the trio of Fashion Sakala, Patson Daka and Edward Chilufya with supporting acts from Enock Mwepu and holding midfielder Boyd Musonda.

To reach the round of 16 Germany lost 2-0 to Venezuela and drew 0-all with Mexico before edging Vanuatu 3-2.

Zambia’s journey started with a 2-1 win over Portugal before dispatching Iran with a 4-2 result and wound up the group matches with a 1-0 loss to Costa Rica.

The match kicks off at 13:00 hours Zambian time.

So far Venezuela and Portugal have qualified to the quarter finals after seeing off Japan and South Korea respectively.