DUBLIN - Oliver Bierhoff is adamant Germany are focused on victory over the Republic of Ireland and clinching top spot in their Euro 2008 qualifying group.
The German media theory is that Joachim Low's side would better be suited finishing as runners-up, potentially ensuring an easier group draw for the opening stages of next summer's finals.
Team manager Bierhoff can understand the logic as hosts Austria and Switzerland, along with reigning champions Greece, would be in pot one.
Yet Bierhoff dismissed the notion as he said: "We are approaching this game in a fairly laid-back and relaxed manner, but we are also taking it very seriously.
"There has been a lot of speculation, with people saying just the one point is good enough to go through, but that is something we are not paying any attention to.
"We have to land in pot one when it comes to the final draw, so we want to come out on top in this qualifying group."
When asked whether it would be wiser tactically for Germany not to win the group, Bierhoff added: "I think that is something UEFA have 'cocked up'.
"They should have seeded other teams. Teams like Greece, Austria and the Swiss will be seeded in pot one, and as far as we are concerned we will also be seeded in that pot.
"Whereas in pot two you will get a lot of strong teams, but even in the pot three you could get teams as renowned as France, for example.
"You could easily end up with a group like Germany, England and France, which would be very difficult.
"But I think you (the German media) should liberate yourselves from getting the calculator out all the time.
"If we want to be European champions we have to beat everyone, and that's all we are thinking about anyway.
"We want to dominate this group, play successful football and not give so many considerations to things that happen at boardroom level."
Bierhoff, though, is not taking the Republic lightly, adding: "We know it will be difficult, especially as they have been successful at home so far.
"We are fairly sure the Irish team will be riding on that wave, but having said that, we play some very convincing away games."
Bierhoff believes the German fans will enjoy Dublin, adding: "You hear a lot about the Republic - the mood, atmosphere, about the 'boys in green' and what the supporters can do.
"We have quite a number of fans who have not just come for the game, but also to drink and grasp the atmosphere!"
Low is without a number of key names for the game, notably Tim Borowski (back), Bernd Schneider (knee), Roberto Hilbert (ankle) and Miroslav Klose (knee).
