Germany midfielder Emre Can has admitted that his side must "neutralise" the threat of Alexis Sanchez on Thursday evening, but insists that it would be wrong to write off Chile's other attacking stars.
The world champions take on Chile in the second round of Group B fixtures in Kazan, looking to move a step closer to progressing through to the semi-final stage of the competition.
A half-fit Sanchez came off the bench to inspire the South American nation to victory in their opening fixture against Cameroon at the weekend and is expected to start tomorrow's match at the Kazan Arena.
Can knows all about the threat the Arsenal man possesses, having come up against him in the Premier League with club side Liverpool, but he claims that it is important not to pay his opposite number too much focus.
"I've faced Sanchez on the pitch," he told reporters. "He's a great player, one of the best in the Premier League. We'll have to be very alert. We need to neutralise those players. But I believe we have excellent players and they have other excellent players. But this is a key match and we need to provide an answer for that.
"Chile are a battle-hardened team and there will be a point where we need to be able to provide our answer to that. They're one of the countries in terms of football who have developed greatly over the last few years. We'll be able to present them with a strong opposition and we'll be able to win.
"I've read a lot about Germany and Chile being among the top favourites. We have a very young squad and haven't played much together and that's why people have put Chile slightly ahead but it's what happens on the pitch that matters. With all due respect to the other two teams, Chile are the most salient team in this group. It's helped to focus minds for the match."
Germany beat Australia 3-2 in their opening match and sit second behind Chile on goal difference, with the top two sides progressing through.
Daniel Lewis
Portugal
Mexico
Russia
New Zealand
Germany
Chile
Australia
Cameroon
