Germany head into Serbia Vs Germany knowing this is the kind of night that can decide a Nations League campaign. Jürgen Klopp's side are not yet in a position of comfort, and Friday 13 November in Belgrado could go a long way to deciding whether they still have a route to the final match in Berlín.
The game at Stadion Rajko Mitic comes with real stakes for Germany. They have collected five points in group A2 and sit third behind Grecia and Países Bajos, which means the margin for error has become very small with only two group matches left.
Klopp has already made it clear what he expects from his squad. After trimming the list from 44 players to 24 for November, he said Germany must be ready to qualify for that Berlín 'final'.
Why this trip to Belgrado matters
This is not just another group fixture. Serbia have lost all of their matches in the competition, but that does not make the assignment any easier for Germany. In a tight group, the pressure is often at its highest when the favourite cannot afford to slip.
Germany have not fully convinced in results since Klopp took charge and debuted in September, and that is why this match feels so important. The challenge is not only to win in Belgrado, but to do so in a way that keeps the qualification picture under control before Monday's meeting with Países Bajos in Berlín.
Klopp's message before the final push
The Germany coach has been direct about the standard required. He said: "Tenemos que asegurarnos de estar realmente preparados y de poder clasificarnos para esa 'final' de Berlín".
That is the point of the trip to Serbia. Germany do not need a glamorous performance so much as a disciplined one, because the next two games will decide whether they stay in the race for the quarter-finals or leave themselves with too much to do.
On Friday 13 November, the answer begins at 14:45 EE.UU (Este), 13:45 MEX and 20:45 ESP. Germany still control their fate to a degree, but only if they handle Belgrado properly.
