Team Profile: Germany

GERMANY - Federal Republic of Germany
Coach: Joachim Loew
Confederation: UEFA
FIFA Ranking (Dec 09): 6
Previous Appearances: 16 (winner 1954, 1974, 1990; final 1966, 1982, 1986, 2002; third place 1934, 1970, 2006)

Background

Germany is a regular at the World Cup and are always among the favourites to lift the trophy. South Africa 2010 will mark the 17th appearance for the Germans at the World Cup. The Germans only missed the tournament in 1930 and 1950. They picked up their first World Cup in 1954 in Switzerland. In 1974 they won the World Cup whole hosting the tournament. Their last World Cup trophy was won at Italia '90 after beating Argentina in the finals. Besides 1974, Germany also hosted the 2006 tournament, where they won the third place medal.

How They Qualified

In Group 4 of the European qualifying zone, Joachim Loew's men finished in first place ahead of Russia. Germany was one of five European teams that went undefeated in the group stages. As with most German teams in the past, the 'Turniermannschaft' delivered their best performances in the most critical encounters. The Germans beat Russia 2-1 in Dortmund and also won the re-match 1-0 in Moscow.

Strengths

Fitness and motivation are the key driving forces for the German national team. In every big tournament it is difficult to beat the team spirit of the Germans. In ten qualification matches they only conceded five goals. Any opponent who has played against Germany knows their physical toughness as well as their organised team play.

Weaknesses

The Germans have been unable to pick up victories lately against 'big nations' like Brazil, Spain and Italy. In the 2006 World Cup, they lost in the semi-finals against Italy and in Euro 2008, Loew's men lost in the final against Spain.

The Coach

Joachim Loew was the assistant coach to Jurgen Klinsmann during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The media said that Loew took care of the tactics while Klinsmann was only the motivator. Loew looks like the nice guy from the neighbourhood. But the fact is he has clear ideas of his team. So it's no surprise, that some stars of the past wont get another chance, if Loew thinks, they are not compatible to the team. The best example of this is Torsten Frings.

Star Men

Michael Ballack (FC Chelsea) - The captain, the leader, and Loew's right hand man on the field. Ballack is the player who enjoys the most respect in the national team – also from his opponents as well. He is great in the air and good at set pieces, he is always ready to score the most important goal of the match.

Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich) - Klose is still an important player for the national team. The winner of the Golden Shoe in the 2006 World Cup, he has played 93 games and scored 48 times. He could earn his 100th cap for Germany is South Africa.

Mesut Oezil (Werder Bremen) - The Werder Bremen midfielder may not be the star man on his team just yet but he has the potential to be a future great. He is the creative force in the German midfield and great things are expected of him in South Africa.

Best Footballing Moment

Helmut Rahn's goal in the 1954 final which was the game winner in the 3-2 victory over a Hungarian side that had not lost since 1950. After the victory, the team became known as 'Das Wunder von Bern'.

Off The Pitch

Famous for: Very good beer. Football fans love to go their favourite team's away matches and drink lots of beer. Supporting their clubs away is a must for a 'real fan'.Most likely to: Get the easiest group during the draw. A group with Slovakia, Chile and Honduras will be no surprise as the Germans usually get lucky with the draw.

World Cup Objective

The semi-finals are the minimum target as expected by the fans.