Joachim Low aims to qualify against Republic of Ireland

Germany coach Joachim Low has targeted qualification for the World Cup with a victory over the Republic of Ireland next Friday.

Maximum points would see Germany into the World Cup finals regardless of other results, and Low said that achieving it at home would be a reward for his chosen squad.

"Our starting position in the group is good," Reuters quotes Low as saying. "We have a lot of trust in the players we have nominated and want to quickly qualify for Brazil.

"Our clear aim is to seal our ticket with a win against Ireland in front of a home crowd."

Low has been in charge of the national side since 2006.