Germany defender Arne Friedrich admits the team will go home in "disgrace" if they fail to qualify for the last 16.
Joachim Low's side take on Group D leaders Ghana tonight sitting only above Serbia, who play Australia, on goal difference.
Germany have never failed to progress past the first phase before at the World Cup but are in danger of missing out on the knockout stages following their 1-0 defeat to Serbia last time out.
The pressure to avoid making history for all the wrong reasons is weighing heavily on the squad but Friedrich insists they have to cope with the strain if they are to avoid a humiliating demise.
He said: "We know there is pressure here that a potential major flop, a disgrace, could be looming, that we could fly out in the first round.
"But we just have to shut out those thoughts. We have to be clear about the fact we have a tough team and excellent players.
"We have no concerns. We have to maintain our calmness and we know the pressure is growing.
"Who knows what the setback against Serbia might do for us? It's better to lose now than the knockout stages. This is the point in time where we have to give it everything. It's now a must-win game for us and that may be the best thing about the situation."
Germany coach Low is revelling in the pressure ahead of tonight's crucial match. He said: "I am under a certain tension but I see this as something positive. I don't see this as a burden — I like challenges.
"This evening's game will be such a situation but it has happened before in my career at various times. I am feeling more joy than anxiety. When I am talking to my players, I do not get the impression that they are nervous or worried after the defeat against Serbia.
"Although it is very young, the team has this confidence and inner conviction that it can beat Ghana."
