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World Cup 2010 Teams – Germany

World Cup heavyweights Germany will be looking to go all the way in South Africa. While on paper the Germans may not look as strong as the likes of Spain and Brazil, they can never be dismissed as potential World Cup winners. First, however, they will need to negotiate their way through a tricky Group D draw.

Qualifying Campaign

Germany began its World Cup qualifying campaign with a 6-0 thrashing of Liechtenstein. From there, everything else pretty much went to plan. Russia, Finland and Wales provided the main competition in Group Four, but only Finland was able to pick up points from the Germans with two draws.

Germany finished on top of the group, 4 points clear of the Russians. The Germans scored 26 goals in total while conceding only 5, qualifying for South Africa 2010 in typically efficient style.

World Cup History

Germany (including tournaments played as West Germany) is one of the most successful teams in World Cup history. The Germans have lifted the trophy on three occasions (1954, 1974 and 1990) and finished as runners-up four times. In total, Germany has had more semi-final appearances than any other nation (11). Equally impressively, the Germans have qualified for every World Cup they have entered. As far as consistency is concerned, the national team is a true footballing powerhouse.

Germany hosted the 2006 World Cup, beating favourites Argentina in the quarter-finals after a penalty shoot-out. It looked like the semi-final against Italy would also end in a shoot-out, but the Italians scored twice in the dying minutes of extra time to secure a place in the final.

The Coach

Joachim Löw had a fairly average playing career before finding greater success as a manager. He was hired as assistant coach of VfB Stuttgart in 1995 before being promoted to team manager a year later. Löw moved to Turkey in 1998 to take charge of Fenerbahçe, later moving to Adanaspor. In 2002, he won the Austrian championship with FC Tirol Innsbruck before the club went bankrupt. A stint with Austria Vienna ended when the German national team requested Löw’s services.

Jürgen Klinsmann had been appointed as the new national team coach in July 2004. While passionate and full of fresh ideas, Klinsmann lacked managerial experience. He requested that Löw be brought in to act as his assistant, an offer that Löw was more than willing to accept. Together, they began to implement Klinsmann’s new attacking philosophy and bring some new young faces into an ageing squad.

The partnership proved successful, with the Germans playing some entertaining football in the 2006 World Cup before their semi-final exit. Klinsmann left after the tournament, leaving Löw in charge. Löw took Germany to the final of Euro 2008, where Germany lost to Spain.

An excellent tactician and a meticulous planner, Löw has nonetheless received some criticism. Some see him as too inflexible and have questioned his selection policy. Team captain Michael Ballack publicly criticised his manager, just the kind of friction that neither Germany nor Löw can afford.

The Players

Germany may lack the depth of talent it had in previous World Cups, but the team looks strong nonetheless. René Adler is a good goalkeeper, ably protected by the likes of Heiko Westermann, Per Mertesacker and fullback Philipp Lahm. Captain Michael Ballack will be instrumental in midfield alongside Thomas Hitzlsperger and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Powerful striker Miroslav Klose, the World Cup 2006 Golden Boot Award winner, will be the key man in attack. He is likely to be paired-up with 24 year-old Lukas Podolski, winner of the 2006 World Cup Best Young Player Award.

Joachim Löw will need to keep a close eye on squad harmony as his team selections have caused murmurs of dissention in the past. He will need to keep temperamental captain Michael Ballack happy in order to maintain a happy camp.

Group D

The Germans have not been given an easy start to the 2010 World Cup. Australia, Serbia and Ghana are all tough teams, more than capable of troubling the Germans. Australia is probably the weakest side in Group D, Tim Cahill being one of few star players in the squad. Serbia finished ahead of France in qualifying and looks to have a highly determined and dogged team. The Serbian defence is strong, while towering striker Nikola Zigic will be a handful in attack.

Ghana will be playing in only its second World Cup. The Ghanaians should benefit from playing in their own continent, and midfield superstar Michael Essien will be looking to drive the team forward.

Group Matches and Analysis

On paper, the Germans look to have the strongest squad in Group D. Their opening group game against Australia is a must-win game as the following match against Serbia will be a real test. Serbia will be difficult to break down and will not give up 3 points easily. Ghana, meanwhile, will be unpredictable and potentially dangerous in the final group game.

The Germans will need to be on top form in order to secure first place in Group D. If they top the group they will play the runners-up in Group C, most likely the United States, Algeria or Slovenia. The second-placed team in Group D, meanwhile, will potentially face a far greater test against England.

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