Germany

Germany was one of only two teams who won every game in qualifying for the Euros in Poland and Ukraine this summer. They have a wealth of young talent, most of who perform at the highest level across Europe. This certainly gives head coach Joachim Low a pleasant, but considerable, challenge in deciding who represents Germany in the Arena Lviv on the 9th of June in their opening encounter against Portugal. After Portugal the matches get no easier for the Germans. Both Denmark and a tasty tie against the Netherlands await. If you thought the rivalry between the English and Germans was strong, it is nothing compared to these footballing superpowers. Frank Rijkaard spitting into Rudi Voller’s hair is an unforgettable piece of footage from Italia ‘90 and although we don’t want to witness acts like this again, a fair, physical match combined with an artful collection of silky football could potentially provide the game of the tournament. The Metalist Stadium on the 13th of June is the place to be and may only be eclipsed if both reach the final. Low is likely to implement a 4-2-3-1 formation in the finals. This will allow the free-flowing attacking German spirit that tore England apart in the previous World Cup, taking the ease of a potentially vulnerable defence. The isolated man at the head of the German attack may still be Miroslav Klose. At 33 Klose is by far and away the oldest man in the running to make the German squad. 9 goals in qualifying added to his outstanding record of 63 goals in 114 matches. He has scored numerous goals in international tournaments, including 14 in the World Cup – ranking him joint 2nd in the list of FIFA World Cup goalscorers – and it is this reputation that may place him ahead of Mario Gomez. The three players behind Klose need no introductions either. Arsenal’s new signing Lukas Podolski, Real Madrid’s Mesut Ozil and Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller are three of the most exciting attacking players in the world. With an average age of 24 and 152 international caps and 63 goals between them their stats speak for themselves. Their pace, power, precision and finishing combined with Klose makes Germany a goal machine. Behind the four attacking superstars sits Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira and the master puppeteer Bastian Schweinsteiger. Still only 27 Schweinsteiger has represented his country a phenomenal 90 times. He controlled the midfield in Michael Ballack’s absence in South Africa and led the tournament on assists. He is the complete midfielder and when he has scored, Germany has never lost. The German defence is potentially the weak link, however it is not poor. Captain Philipp Lahm is perhaps the best full back in the world. Despite his height his energy and technical ability allow him to sprint forward to join the wealth of attackers. Jerome Boateng is equally adept but also brings power to his game on the opposite side. It is the central defensive partnership that creates an issue. Low appears to favour Bayern Munich’s Holger Badstuber and Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker. However, German Champions Borussia Dortmund have a strong centre-back in Mats Hummels. Mertesacker has a lot more experience than the other two but Low has never had trouble with giving youth a chance. Hamburger’s Dennis Aogo may also challenge Boateng for the wing back position. In goal will no doubt be Manuel Neuer. The German’s impressive season for Bayern Munich has made his spot secure. He broke Bayern Munich’s record of minutes without conceding a goal, previously held by Oliver Kahn, reaching past the 1000 minute mark. He also recently saved penalties from Ronaldo and Kaka to take Bayern through to the Champions League final. Of course, nothing is set in stone. Low has many other prestigious talents breaking through the ranks in German football that may well throw a spanner in the works, Toni Kroos, Andre Schurrle and the exciting Mario Gotze to name a few. But the problem now is that the current team is still relatively young. There is no excuse for replacing youth with youth and the players that currently hold the starting 11 places are potential world beaters. It’s been 16 years now since Germany were last crowned as champions, this year could be their year.