Mesut Ozil has, apparently, growled a response when asked about Jerome Boateng’s comments that claimed Germany were not good enough in the final third during their goalless draw with Poland on Thursday night.

The Bayern Munich defender had told the press “We can be pleased that we’ve drawn the match.

“We did not win any one-on-one duels in attack. There was not a lot of movement — it just wasn’t enough.

“We have to take shots. It’s all good until we reach the final third, but we can’t get past the opponents, are not dangerous. We need to improve that, otherwise we won’t get far.”

Reporters then asked Mesut Ozil about Boateng’s comments in the mix-zone and various German reports claim he snapped/growled his response, depending on where you do your reading.

He was also, apparently, smug according to the reporters.

“That’s his opinion,” Ozil replied.

“He certainly knows how to play attacking football…

“Following the 0-0 the world champions are ready to explode into life.”

That, perhaps, is not good news for Northern Ireland who face the Germans in their final game and will be hoping to avoid a mauling in order to qualify as one of the best-placed third placed teams.

Should Germany decide to turn up and prove a point to those who have criticised their attacking ability, it could be a very tough game for Michael O’Neil’s men on Tuesday.

[Thanks to @fartooeasy and @AchtungJono for help with the translation]