Germany

The only nation to have qualified for every World Cup they have been entered into, the Germans are a resounding force in international football. The point is emphasised by the fact that Germany have never lost a World Cup qualifying game away from home, an outstanding achievement in a time when to hear the phrase “there are no easy games in football” and “their stadium is a tough one to go to” are as natural as the English football anthem “Three Lions” topping the charts in the land of bratwurst lovers. Why Del Amitri’s “Don’t Come Home Too Soon” failed to reach that dizzy height remains a mystery.

On top of this, Germany has reached the last 16 in the last 7 World Cups, whilst also winning the tournament 3 times and finishing as runner-up 4 times. In 2002 they were poor, but still reached the final where they lost 2-0 to Brazil. On home soil in 2006, with 119 minutes played a Grosso goal, followed quickly by a Del Piero classic, sent Italy through to the final, leaving Germany to claim bronze position.
Despite what the above may suggest, Germany do not appear to be highly regarded among the media as favourites for the tournament. In fact, many believe they may find themselves embarrassed in a tough opening group – Australia, Ghana and Serbia. A lack of defensive quality is generally regarded as their main weakness, combined with a squad that lacks real quality.

However, when you consider that Joachim Low’s side only conceded 5 goals in the 10 qualifying games, with stars such as Michael Ballack, Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger, you may wonder if the pundits have their facts straight. Admittedly, the squad does appear to lack depth, and with Ballack now out through injury, their main talisman has gone, yet they should never be so easily discarded.

The greasy hair of Ballack will surely be missed, as this was undoubtedly his last chance to win the world’s biggest competition with him now reaching the tender age of 33. His absence though provides a slot for a British crowd favourite Thomas “The Hammer” Hitzlsperger. The midfielder started his career at Aston Villa where he became a Premier League favourite due to his trademark long-range shot.

Germany’s midfield is actually the strongest part of the team, with Hitzlesperger, Schweinsteiger and, prolific left-winger/striker, Lukas Podolski probably taking 3 out of 5 slots, with the former two playing as holding midfielders.

The attacking right-wing position may be claimed by Thomas Muller, who has had a fine first season for Bayern Munich. The playmaker of the side is Mesut Ozil of Werder Bremen, expect him to play in the hole behind Klose, providing the creativity to unlock even the most sturdy defence.

Miroslav Klose has spent most of this season warming the bench for Champions League finalists Bayern Munich but 48 goals in 94 caps speaks for itself. He has also scored 5 goals in the previous two World Cups, another 5 would no doubt go down well.

Germany’s stability in defence has been criticised despite the inclusion of Per Mertesacker and one of the most exciting full-backs in South Africa Philipp Lahm. Expect to see Lahm bombing up and down the left, or right, wing, linking up play and putting his tiny frame to good use.

However, the keeper position has posed a problem for the Germans, with first choice Robert Enke committing suicide in November, his replacement is either Adler or Neuer, both of whom are inexperienced. And as former German Number 1 Jens Lehmann says “You can’t win the title with relatively inexperienced keepers...[n]either plays regularly in the Champions League, at the highest level”. Is anyone else thinking they have never seen David James in the Champions League?

Germany once more will be a solid unit in the World Cup. To discount them at this stage is naive, however they will need to start well to get through their group, yet I do not see them falling at this hurdle. Will they win the whole tournament? I hope not.