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The Germans have won 3 World Cups in 3 different eras with 3 completely different teams and managers. They won it 1954, 1970 and 1990, with the last of those wins coming under Franz Beckenbauer. In 2006, Germany under Jurgen Klinsmann lost out to eventual winners Italy in the semi-finals in extra time. The Germans did win plenty of hearts and ultimately finished third beating Portugal 3-1 in the 3rd-4th place play-off game.
Currently ranked 6th best in the world, Germany's Group D consists of Serbia, Australia and Ghana. All three teams are well ranked international teams and should give the Germans a run for their money. Joachim Loew's men though will be favourites to win this group though the battle for second is likely to go down to the wire.
The Germans were amongst the few elite teams to finish their qualification undefeated. They won 8 of their 10 games, drawing 2. They scored 26 goals and conceded 5 in their 10 games. Their group consisted of Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein.
Germany have been quarter-finalists or better in every World Cup since 1954 and have 4 second place finishes to go with their three trophies. Despite the absence of Michael Ballack and Rene Adler, you can be guaranteed that a strong German unit will turn up match after match and will make themselves very hard to beat. The presence of 6 strikers in the squad is an interesting element, and makes you wonder if Loew is going to be a little more adventurous that most German managers and look to outscore the opposition.
The Germans had a great run in Euro 2008 and made it all the way to the finals where they were defeated by Spain thanks to Fernando Torres goal.
Germany kick start their campaign against Australia and will be hoping to power their way past the Socceroos. Both Ghana and Serbia pose threats, but Germany have the ability to raise their game when needed and should come through the group unscathed.
Key Players:
Stefan Kießling is a young in-form striker for Germany who will hope to set the international stage ablaze in South Africa. The 26-year old scored 21 league goals for his club Bayer Leverkusen and missed out on the top scorers award by a solitary strike. With Miroslav Klose's lack of first team action and Lukas Podolski's indifferent domesitc form a lot will be expected from striker.
Bastien Schweinsteiger had a brilliant domestic season and is generally one of the most consistent players for the national team. His brace in the 2006 World Cup 3rd place play-off matched helped lead the Germans to a deserved top 3 finish. In the absence of Ballack, a lot more responsibility will be heaped on the shoulders of the Bayern Munich midfielder.
Philipp Lahm is another crucial player who has the experience of the big stage. The tiny full back is a decent defender and is brilliant going forward. He scored the first goal of 2006 World Cup against Costa Rica and is overlapping runs provide plenty of fodder for the German strikers.
Team:
Goalkeepers: Hans-Jorg Butt, Manuel Neuer, Tim Wiese
Defenders: Per Mertesacker, Philipp Lahm, Jerome Boateng, Arne Friedrich, Serdar Tasci, Marcell Jansen, Holger Badstuber, Dennis Aogo.
Midfielders: Sami Khedira, Piotr Trochowski, Marko Marin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos.
Forwards: Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose, Stefan Kießling, Cacau, Thomas Muller, Mario Gomez.
Top Goal Scorers: Miroslav Klose(48), Lukas Podolski(37)
Most Capped Players: Miroslav Klose(94), Bastian Schweinsteiger(74)
Head Coach: Joachim LoewForm Guide: (WWLDD)
Oct 14, Germany 1-1 Finland
Nov 18, Germany 2-2 Ivory Coast
Mar 03, Germany 0-1 Argentina
May 13, Germany 3-0 Malta
May 29, Hungary 0-3 Germany
Fixtures:
13-Jun: Germany vs. Australia 7:30pm (GMT) - Match Report
18-Jun: Germany vs. Serbia 12:30pm (GMT) - Match Report
23-Jun: Ghana vs. Germany 7:30pm (GMT) - Match Report
Team Trivia
Along with Brazil, Germany has reached the final of the World Cup the most number of times (7), emerging victorious only thrice.
Also Read:
Group Competitior Previews: Australia, Serbia, Ghana
File Photograph Copyright: Tsutomu Takasu
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