"I noticed that they are a little bit tense. I really don't know what's going to happen," Pavlicevic said of his team, which includes four players under 24 years old. "When the games start we'll know what happens."

When asked about his inexperience and youth of his team, the coach added: "We don't have any other team. This is the team we have to go with."

Pavlicevic said he wants his team to present themselves with "a strong heart and courage".

One of the most important elements of the game will be the home fans at the Green Arena in Hiroshima.

"The fan support is very important because we are the home team. There will be a full gym and it will help," he added.

Pavlicevic also said Germany's trio of 7-footers - Dirk Nowtizki, Patrick Femerling and Jan Jagla - could cause his team loads of problems.

"Those three 7-footers will be the biggest factor to overcome. But small surprises can always happen," he said.