Germany will look to dominate the field in Group D

World Ranking: 6th

Notable World Cup History: Champions in Switzerland 1954, Germany 1974, Italy 1990

Manager:

Joachim Low has a big task at hand, to guide his team to world glory. Germany is a powerhouse team who is always expected to perform.

Since taking over Jurgen Klinsmann in 2006, Low has stepped in and changed the way Germany is perceived. They are usually known for being a defensive squad but this time around, Low will be pushing for a stronger offense.

Low has selected to go with a younger team with more speed and will look to dominate Group D.

“We have a good team with great will and a great atmosphere. Everybody is passionate in training and that makes me certain that we can play a good tournament – I have lots of faith,” said coach Low to Fifa.com

Key Players:

Germany will be without Chelsea player and captain Michael Ballack after he suffered an injury in the FA Cup final against Portsmouth. It is a major blow considering the midfielder was expected to carry the team.

Defender Philip Lahm was named the successor to Ballack. He is a star player with home team Bayern Munich and will be expected to be a star for Germany. While he is a smaller player, the captain is smart with the ball and displays great tactical awareness.

With Ballack out of the picture, Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger will face the pressure to step it up. The 25- year- old was always regarded as the up and coming star but has made a name for himself with Bayern Munich. His play is creative and has become a consistent player. Look to Schweini to control the pitch.

Veteran Miroslav Klose will have to make an immediate impact or else Low will quickly look to the substitutes bench . He is a world class striker and a notable header of the ball. Expect the Bayern Munich player to guide the younger players, but mostly confuse the opponent.

Low has chosen to go with a younger team, so look to Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil and Jerome Boateng to add energy to the team.

Strengths:

Germany is traditionally strong and consistent which adds to their strengths. They are a speedy team with talented players.

It is not just the play makers that will reek havoc on opponents but their defense can cause frustration.

Weaknesses:

Until they play, it will remain unknown how the team will deal without Ballack. The other veteran squad members of the squad will have to compensate for his loss. While having young players, for those appearing in their first World Cup, handling the pressure may be too much.

They do not have a top goalie unlike past appearances. Former goaltender Oliver Khan, was one of the best in the world and probable starter Hans Joerg Butt will need to live up to expectation.

Expectations:

Germany, for the most part, has always been considered contenders. With three World Cup wins under their belt, it is no surprise they are one of the favourites to win in South Africa. It is also notable that they have contested in every World Cup they have been in.

They are expected to win Group D and make it into the round of 16. While they don’t have a strong team like the one that played in 2006, they are known to perform when need be. But never count them out! They may be a surprise to many if they can make it through to the quarter finals.

“Clearly our goal as the German national team is to reach the semi-finals. And clearly we also dream of more,” said Captain Lahm to Fifa.com.


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By: Rosa Garcia
Posted: Jun 10 2010 1:09 pm
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Filed under: 2010 World Cup
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