Former German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann says his expectations: Germany will be able to defeat Greece in Friday's Euro 2012 quarterfinal match.

After an impressive campaign in their group stage in which they amassed a perfect nine points from three matches, Joachim Low's side are widely viewed as one of the favorites who will be part of the last four.

Lehmann still cannot imagine the Ethniki stealing one (as what other commentators say as a possibility).

"I am expecting the Greeks to pose us a problem for the first time in years," the 42-year-old told Goal.com.

"They did brilliantly on the pitch by reaching the quarter-finals. Their most important player, Giorgos Karagounis, will be missing, though, so I am still optimistic of progressing. They do not have enough quality to deny us a semi-final spot, but they will be highly motivated for this game, because in Greece, we Germans are seen as the main culprits for the problems that exist in their country."

Greece was able to place second in Group A, ahead of Russia.

"Elsewhere, I was surprised to see the Russians being eliminated," Lehmann added. "This confirmed my belief that they fail to deliver, despite playing some great football at some points in the tournament.

"I have played with some great Russian footballers, and I am yet to find an explanation for their erratic performances, even though I have often wondered why."

Greece defender, Kyriakos Papadopoulos on the other hand believes the Euro 2004 winners have nothing to lose when they meet Germany on Friday.

Considered as underdogs against a German side, he sees this disadvantage as actually an advantage – they have nothing to lose and will be all out without fear of any risks.

"We find ourselves in a very comfortable situation. We have nothing to lose. Even against Germany, one of the best teams in the world," he told Kicker.

"I'd say that makes it easier for us. We know the most players' tendencies. Maybe that will help us to win.

"It is a special match for me – and for some of my team-mates who play in Germany as well. But we will try anything we can to have a good match. We will fight, fight, fight."