Germany are top of Group D and level on points with the Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland, with a game in hand, but are missing their captain -- Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack -- as well as striker Lukas Podolski and influential midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

And Low, who has only lost only once in nine games since taking over from Juergen Klinsmann after last year's World Cup, says only convincing wins -- especially over minnows San Marino on Saturday -- will be acceptable.

"We are preparing hard for these games," said Loew as his squad gathered for Saturday's game in Nuremberg and next Wednesday's game against Slovakia in Hamburg.

"This is no holiday camp for the players, we have two important qualifying games.

"We have a duty to take six points and I have made that clear."

The 47-year-old has left his squad in no doubt places at next year's Euro 2008 championships are up for grabs, should Germany qualify, and no allowance will be made for the weakened national squad.

"I have phoned all the players during the past few days and they are all highly motivated," he said.

"It is always a pity if the captain is absent, but we have won other games without him and there are other players who can show leadership."

One factor in Germany's favour is the majority of the squad have had a two week break to recover from bumps and bruises, so only goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand and striker Mario Gomez, who played for Stuttgart in last weekend's German Cup final, have had little time to rest.