As the FIFA under-20 World Cup enters the knock-out phase, it has thrown up some huge clashes - with Germany squaring off against Nigeria in one of the biggest of the lot.

Nigeria have always been a threat at every youth level, winning the last under-17 World Cup and finishing second in the under-20 edition twice.

Germany won the under-20 World Cup back in 1981 and are among the favourites to claim victory at this tournament, along with their usual competitors.

After Ghana, as a possible quarter-final side, the two teams have avoided Brazil and Portugal - a huge incentive to win to prevail on Thursday.

Form guide

Germany, as expected, blitzed the group stage with convincing wins over Fiji, Uzbekistan and Honduras.

A total of 16 goals in three games is mighty impressive and with their target set for the semis, they'll need to keep up that free-scoring form.

This game is the first real test that die Nationalmannschaft will have, and one they'll need to pass with flying colours if they're to get to the quarters and beyond.

Nigeria came through the group in fine fashion, even taking into account that 2-4 defeat to Brazil.

They performed well in every game and got their just rewards with a last sixteen place. The Africans will now be keen to push on and upset one of the favourites.

The attacking threat is great, and it is crucial to any success they'll have against their opponents.

Key men

For Germany, it's hard to look past Marc Stendera and Hany Mukhtar as the men who make things happen.

Both have four goals from the group stages and will be keen to add to that total, with Stendera adding two assists to that tally.

The Eintracht Frankfurt man has been key from set-pieces, and has shown he is one for press situations - slotting home both penalties so far.

Grischa Prömel has been the driving force from deep so far, his two goals and all-round consistency have marked him out from the rest.

One of the biggest names at the tournament, Julian Brandt, showed what he capable of against Honduras, when he scored a delightful chipped goal.

Like their European opponents, Nigeria are also stronger going forwards than when it comes to defending.

Taiwo Awoniyi led the line in the crucial game against Hungary, and it was his brace that securing their place in the last sixteen.

Along with Isaac Success and Godwin Saviour, the trio will provide a stern test for a German defence that has looked rather suspect at times.

Kelechi Iheanacho, of Manchester City, is another option off the bench and he could trouble the tired legs of Marc-Oliver Kempf and co. late on.

Not to be forgotten, is goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo. He recovered after a crucial mistake against Brazil to put in an heroic performance in the Hungary game.

What they're saying

"This was a difficult match because Honduras played very well, especially in one-on-one situations," said Frank Wormuth.

The Germans conceded only their second goal of the tournament against Honduras, and their coach was happy to have came away with the win:

"But towards the end of the match, they had to take more risks and that opened up more spaces for us.

"I'm just glad that my team performed well and managed to find a way to collect another three points. That is what makes me proud.

"The players have two different faces: in training, they joke around a lot, but in the match they are absolutely focused."

Wormuth is well aware that tougher challenges lie in wait, "But we also know that we still have to improve. There is still a lot of work to do."

Manu Garba wasn't fully satisfied with their win over Hungary, "It was a very good match for us. We wanted to score more, but still I'm happy with the 2-0 result.

"The Hungarians play more from the wings but we were able to control the game and the outcome."

He also said his team don't fear anyone and they can't, especially if they want to be crowned world champions:

"Our next game is against Germany but we are ready for any team, because if we want to be champions we have to be ready for of them."

Referee

Fahad Al-Mirdasi (Saudi Arabia) will be in man to oversee Thursday's game and he has been a full international referee for FIFA since 2011.

Alongside refereeing in the Saudi Professional League, he has been chosen to be one of the referees at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup

Predicted XIs

Germany: (4-2-3-1) Schwäbe; Akpoguma, Kempf, Stark, Bauer; Weigl, Prömel; Brandt, Öztunali, Stendera; Mukhtar.

Nigera: (4-2-3-1) Enaholo; Muhammed, Ndidi, Bello, Mustapha; Idowu, Ifeanyi; Bulbwa, Isaac, Godwin; Awoniyi.

Quotes via FIFA.com.