Federal Republic of Germany
DFB (German Football Association)
1900
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)
Fixtures
Germany v Australia 13 June; Durban
Germany v Serbia 18 June; Port Elizabeth
Germany v Ghana 23 June; Johannesburg
RECORD
1938 First round; 1974 Second Round; 1962, 1994, 1998, 2006 Quarter finals; 1958 Fourth place; 1934, 1970 Third place; 1982, 1986, 2002 Runners up; 1954, 1974, 1990 champions
Background
Germany has been a strong presence and a team always in the reckoning for the top honours through the decades. Three time champions and three times runner up, it will be the 17th appearance for the Germans at the World Cup in South Africa 2010. They missed the tournament only in 1930 and 1950. Germany won the Cup first in 1954 in Switzerland, then as hosts in 1974 and in 1990 in Italy.
The road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals
Germany was placed in European Group 4 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers along with Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan, and Liechtenstein. In the first match Germans swamped Liechtenstein 6-0 before being held to a 3-3 draw by Finland.
Russia went down 1-2 in the third match not withstanding the inspiration provided by
Guus Hiddink. The qualifiers were proving to be cake walk for the Germans with five goals and clean sheets in their next two encounters against Wales and Liechtenstein, followed by two consecutive 2-0 victories against the Welsh and Azerbaijan. The only blemish in their unchallenged run into the finals was the 1-1 home draw against Finland in the last group game.
Strengths
Robustness and inspiration are the key motivating forces for the German national team. The German team spirit works as a second defence in every big tournament. The fact that they conceded only five goals in ten qualification matches shows the tenacity of the team. Anyone who has who has encountered Germany on the pitch knows their methodical team play and toughness.
Weaknesses
Lately Germany have been losing to the football giants like Brazil, Spain and Italy. They lost in the semi-finals against Italy in the 2006 World Cup, and in Euro 2008, lost in the final against Spain. No team can win a title without overcoming the big teams.
The Coach
Experienced Joachim Loew has a vision and clear ideas regarding his team he was assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The prevalent notion was that Loew was the tactician in the coaching team. Very much a gentleman who does not want to hurt anyone, he is quite tough when it comes to team selection and emotions have no role in it. Hence some stars of yester years do not figure in his scheme of things. Lowe has been handicapped by the last minute absence of the injured captain Michael Ballack and will now have to work out new strategy as the loss of a key player changes the whole complexion of the squad.
Star Men
Philipp Lahm;
Considered one of the best full backs in the world, Philip Lahm has taken over as captain of the team in the World Cup in the place of Michael Ballack, who has been injured and will not be playing in the show piece tournament in South Africa. Currently playing for Bayern Munich, Lahm has great pace, scintillating dribbling abilities and is a shrewd tactician on the field. He had the honour of scoring the first goal of the 2006 World Cup. His responsibility increases with the loss of another star defender, Heiko Westermann will also miss the World Cup due to a foot injury.
Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich);
Klose is a vital player for the national team, with huge experience. He was the winner of the Golden Shoe in the 2006 World Cup and has played 93 games and has 48 goals to his credit. He is in line for his 100th cap in south Africa.
Mesut Oezil (Werder Bremen);
The young Oezil could turn out to be the revelation of this World cup. The Werder Bremen midfielder is a star in the making with huge potentials. Creativity in the midfield is his strength.
Bastian Schweinsteiger;
He is only 25, but was already a member of the 2006 World Cup, even scoring against Portugal in the play off for third place. Schweinsteiger also played brilliantly the whole of the EURO 2008 competition and cemented his place in the team. Hopefully, he will peak in the World Cup,along with his Bayern mates Podolski and Klose..
Best Footballing Moment
Helmut Rahn's deciding goal in the 3-2 victory against Hungary in the 1954 final. The thrilling game which went right down to the wires also was the first defeat of Hungary in four years.
World Cup Objective
Getting into the knock out stage is an ordinary thing for the Germans. They will not have achieved anything if they do not make it at least to the semi-finals.
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