As the home team, a lot was expected from Germany in the 2006 World Cup. However, things didn’t work out as they had wanted and the team could not move on to the final. Now after four years, the German football team will wish to start afresh and win the road to glory in South Africa. The three time World Cup winners are currently ranked 6 in the FIFA ratings and hope to clinch the title for the fourth time when they enter the field in this year’s tournament.
How They Got There?
Lucas Podolski Can Tear Any Defense Apart
The discipline and efficiency of the players ensured that the German team bags the first position in group 4 of the European qualifying round for 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Out of the 10 games that they played, the team won 8 matches and drew 2. Germany showed all the class needed to beat strong opponents like Finland and Russia. The team started with a big bang after they beat minnows Liechtenstein by 6-0 goals. In a closely contested game with Finland, Miroslav Klose’s splendid hat-trick saved their day with a draw. Against rivals Russia, the Germans played all round attacking football and won in both home and away matches. It was more or less obvious that the team will easily qualify for South Africa and that came in the penultimate match against Russia.
The Coach
As the national coach Joachim Low has improved the temperament and style of the German football team to a significant extent. After taking the job, the main objective of this former striker was to lift the spirits and continue the attacking style which his predecessor Jurgen Klinsmann had instilled into the side. Low puts stress on total discipline and hard work, which according to him are the keys to improve the skills and performances of players. Under the coaching of Low, the team has relied heavily on a strong midfield with a 4-4-2 format. However, in some crunch matches, he has also experimented with 4-2-3-1 formation.
The Team
How Many Will The German Guns Deafen?
Prior to their journey to South Africa, the team suffered a major setback after their main striker and captain Michael Ballack was ruled out due to injury. However, keeping aside their misfortune, they would rely heavily on Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski to make up the attacking line up. The midfield has players like Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira who will be backed by a expert defenders such as Arne Friedrich and Philipp Lahm. In the absence of Ballack, Lahm has been made the captain. Manuel Neuer will act as the main goalkeeper of the side.
They Are Well Know For Hard Tackling Style
With their attacking style and power football, Germany does have that firepower needed to be the side to lift the 2010 World Cup.
Others in Group D
1. Australia
2. Serbia
3. Ghana
