The 1996 European Champions have been a major force at the latter stages in the majority of recent international tournaments. The team will be attempting to win their fourth World Cup in South Africa in June 2010 after qualifying comfortably from their group with eight victories and two wins. One of these draws came in the final match after Germany had already qualified following a 1-0 away victory against nearest rivals Russia. The team will have to perform well in South Africa as they have been drawn in a tricky group with Australia, Ghana and Serbia.

The new Germany 2010 away shirt is predominately black with slightly darker thin vertical pinstripes that run throughout the body and a single red vertical pinstripe that runs down each side. Manufacturers Adidas place their gold logo below the red and black V neck collar whilst the three traditional gold stripes run down the shoulders. The national badge is place in the top left with a red border  and includes three gold stars that represent Germany’s three World Cup triumphs. A large gold squad number is also placed in the top right of the shirt.

Germany

Australia

Ghana

Serbia

World Cup stalwarts Germany have been handed a tricky 1st round which they will have to overcome if they are to go deep into the tournament as they so often do. The Germans qualified with few worries but lack the depth of talent that they have had in prior tournaments. Nevertheless, the strength of their mentality almost makes up for this and quite often ensures that they are competing in the latter stages. They will be expected to qualify even though Australia, Ghana and Serbia are all capable of springing an upset.

Should they qualify top of the group, they are likely to face the USA in the second round. The Americans showed during the Confederations Cup that they are not to be underestimated. However, the Germans with all their World Cup pedigree would be expected to advance. The quarter finals could possibly see a clash against Argentina whilst a semi final match against Spain may occur if they dare to look that far ahead.

GERMANY SQUAD

The majority of the German internationals are based in the Bundesliga allowing for a tight knit atmosphere when they come together as a nation. The depth of talent is not quite as vast as in previous years yet there is still significant talent that is capable of strongly contesting a major tournament. Below are the near certainties to make the 23 man Germany Squad in June.

GOALKEEPERS

Tim Wiese

Rene Adler

DEFENDERS

Arne Friedrich

Phillip Lahm

Per Mertesacker

Heiko Westermann

Marcell Janson

MIDFIELDERS

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Thomas Hitzlsperger

Michael Ballack

Piotr Trochowski

FORWARDS

Lukas Podolski

Mario Gomez

Miroslav Klose

PREDICTION

Despite receiving a tricky looking group, few would bet against Germany from progressing to the knock out stages once again. The nation has also been given a fairly favourable prospective knock out draw with struggling Argentina as the possible last eight opponents. Germany have a reputation for going deep into tournaments despite not necessarily always being blessed with riches of talent. With the right mindset, who’s to bet against Germany reaching the Semi finals.

Although there was nothing but pride up for grabs in Gelsenkirchen as both nations had already qualified for next summer’s World Cup, there was still a strong sense of emotion about the meeting. This was the first Germany match since goalkeeper Robert Enke tragically comitted suicide. This was unexpectedly the main focus of the match build up as many tributes were made to the late German stopper. Injured skipper Michael Ballack laid a shirt sporting Enke’s name and the number one on the German substitutes bench, whilst there was the obligatory minutes silence. Prior to the match the German’s issued an open letter, saying: “we are playing for Germany, for the fans but above all for you. For a good friend whose death brought us closer together.”

The game was an opportunity to pay tribute to the late Robert Enke

Both teams were missing influencial players. Chelsea midfielder and Germany captain Michael Ballack was ruled out with a knee injury whilst his Chelsea team mate Didier Drogba was still recovering from Johnny Evans’ impression of the karate kid!

It was Germany who started the brightest and Podolski gave them the lead after 12 minutes. Stefan Kiessling was upended by Guy Demel in the area and the Cologne striker stepped up to cooly convert the spot kick. It was just desserts for Joachim Low’s men who looked the more lively of the two teams throughout the first half. This isn’t to say that the Ivorian’s didn’t have their chances though as Emmanuel Eboue and Sekou Cisse both had good chances.

Lukas Podolski’s two goals grabbed a draw for Germany

The equaliser came in comical fashion in the 57th minute. Keeper Manuel Neuer, a half time replacement for Tim Wiese, received a back pass from Heiko Westermann. The Shalke stopper made the clearance but it only went as far as Eboue, as it cannoned off him and flew into the back of the net. Eboue clearly didn’t know much about it but a goal’s a goal.

This goal seemed to spark the Germans into action as Mario Gomez and Podolski both saw good chances go begging, so it was perhaps a surprise to see the Ivory Coast take a late lead in the 85th minute. Substitute Doumbia Seydou took on Westermann and Per Mertesacker and fired a fantastic effort into the far corner.

Doumbia Seydou thought he’d won the game for the Ivory Coast

You could be forgiven for thinking that the victory was safe for the Ivorians but it was to be Podolski who had the last laugh as he popped up three minutes into stoppage time, turning Kolo Toure and finished fantastically, bending the ball into the corner of Aristide Zogbo’s goal.

Despite the Germans disappointment at not sealing a win, the whole atmosphere around the stadium showed that the result was a secondary concern. This game was about paying tribute to Robert Enke, and they did exactly that.

The 1996 European Champions have been a major force at the latter stages in the majority of recent international tournaments. The team will be attempting to win their fourth World Cup in South Africa in June 2010 after qualifying comfortably from their group with eight victories and two wins. One of these draws came in the final match after Germany had already qualified following a 1-0 away victory against nearest rivals Russia.

The new Germany 2010 World Cup shirt is predominately white with three thin black, gold and red stripes running vertically down the left side to represent the German flag colours. Manufacturers Adidas place their black logo centrally below the black and gold round neck collar. Adidas also place their three traditional black stripes down the shoulders. A large black squad number is present in the top right of the shirt whilst the national badge is situated in the top left.

The top seeds were drawn in a six team group alongside Russia, Wales, Finland, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein. At first glance it looked a fairly comfortable group but a Russian side who set Euro 2008 alight would provide tough opposition.

The team got off to a routine start with a 6-0 away victory against minnows Liechtenstein. This was followed by a second consecutive away match against Finland. However, the Finns were far from a pushover and took the lead on three occasions. Fortunately, a Miroslav Klose hat-trick spared the German’s blushes as they scraped a 3-3 draw. The result was a setback as many people expected top spot to come down to the two matches against Russia.

Thankfully, the next group game was against Russia and the Germans ran out 2-1 winners thanks to first half goals from Lukas Podolski and Michael Ballack. A scrappy 1-0 home victory against Wales followed before another comfortable 4-0 victory at home to Liechtenstein.

Next up was an away match in Wales which was potentially tricky on paper. Nevertheless, a half empty Millennium Stadium saw a next to nothing atmosphere as Germany cruised to a 2-0 victory. A double header against Azerbaijan followed which saw a 2-0 away victory before an even easier 4-0 home win for the Germans.

With eight games gone, the group had gone true to form. Germany were one point clear of Russia at the top with the other teams out of contention. The penultimate group match was Germany having to make the trip to Russia. A Germany win would put them on the plane to South Africa whilst a Russia win would put them in pole position. A draw would ensure that Germany had to win a far from simple home match against Finland three days later.

A tense encounter followed but it was the Germans who prevailed in true gritty fashion as a first half Miroslav Klose striker proved the difference in a 1-0 victory. A 1-1 draw with Finland in the final game proved irrelevant as Germany confirmed their presence at the World Cup next summer.

It was Swiss referee, Claudio Circhetta that got the game under way. And debutant, Marko Marin, almost made an early name for himself having been played in by Mario Gomez. He fired one shot over and was then denied by keeper Rowan Fernandez.  

Gomez then had a chance of his own on seven minutes after Werder Bremen midfielder Oezil,sent through a slick pass. However, the Bayern forward was unable to hit the target from a tight angle.  

South Africa’s first moment of danger arrived after ten minutes when they combined well on the edge of the German penalty area, but the final pass to Steven Pienaar was just over-hit and Rene Adler cleaned up.  

A shot from distance from Kagisho Dikgacoi’s gave Rene Adler his first save to make on 13 minutes but the Leverkusen keeper was up to the task. Four minutes later and South African counterpart Fernandez was called upon to deal with a well-hit free-kick from Marko Marin.  

Having looked the better side in the opening phase, Germany allowed the visitors back into the game and the speed of the game began to slow. However, this was hosts leading South Africa into a fall sense of security, because they took the lead with a goal on 35 minutes.  

A quick piece of combination play saw Oezil play in Michael Ballack. The captain’s pass inside from the left was met by the incoming Mario Gomez, who finished off the move with the visitors claiming offside.  

Two minutes later and Rene Adler had to pull off a very good reflex save after Arne Friedrich had unwittingly deflected a free-kick goalwards.

Joachim Loew’s side went in at half-time with a deserved 1-0 lead though, having bossed the first 45 minutes against Bafana Bafana without exactly setting the world alight.  

Germany changed their strike duo at the interval with Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski replacing Mario Gomez and Marko Marin. It was, however, South Africa who had the first effort on goal with Pienaar hitting a shot over the bar from distance.  

Oezil continued to impress, after a late run enabled him to test Fernandez with a shot, before then setting up Podolski for a good chance. With 65 minutes on the clock he then delivered a corner which was met well by the head of Michael Ballack only to cannon back off the post and bounce into the goalkeeper’s arms.   

Germany were once again upping the pressure on their guests and that pressure duly paid off on 77 minutes with a second goal. Bastian Schweinsteiger passed to Klose, who then played an instant ball to Oezil. Clear-through on Rowan Fernandez, the midfielder capped an impressive performance by firing clinically passed the African keeper and into the bottom corner.      

German keeper Rene Adler refused to be beaten on his home ground and produced a great save right at the death to deny Bernard Parker following a cross from Siboniso Pa Gaxa.

The result leaves Germany in fine condition as they head into Wednesday’s crucial World Cup qualifier at home to group minnows, Azerbaijan

Germany take on South Africa in Leverkusen on Saturday and if you follow the media scrutiny leading up to the fixture, you make get sick of the word “preparation”. For the Germans the match represents a fine tuning exercise four days before they begin the most crucial stage of their World Cup qualifying campaign. They currently lie four points clear of Russia – who have a game in hand – and take on Azerbaijan at home on Wednesday. This fixture will certainly take a backseat in importance over the double header, but coach Joachim Loew will still want his side to put in a decent performance.

South Africa will be fresh from their encouraging showing at the Confederations Cup and their ground work for the big one next summer will start here. Unfortunately for Joel Santana’s men, they have missed out on qualification for the African Cup of Nations in Angola, so have made quality European opposition the main preparation for next summer’s showpiece.

Loew has been critical of his team in recent months, alluding that they may not be as gifted as previous German sides. Perhaps he may just be attempting to spark a reaction from some of his top brass, but his technique appears to be keeping captain, Michael Ballack, on his toes. “We have to singularly improve our level of play if we want to be a candidate at the World Cup,” said the Chelsea midfielder. With a potential group winning shootout against Russia next month, Ballack also noted the importance of the fixtures leading up to that game, “We have to play two good games to show that our top spot ahead of Russia is justified.”

On the injury front, Hamburg defender Marcell Jansen has withdrawn with a knee injury. Robert Enke, Ballack, Lucas Podolski and Mesut Ozil have all sat out training for the last couple of days and may not be risked for the friendly. Ballack is struggling with a groin injury, while Werder Bremen’s, Ozil, is having problems with his knee. Hanover keeper, Enke, is suffering from flu and his recovery ability will determine whether he is fit to play or not.

South Africa keeper Itumeleng Khune is injured for the game, along with midfielders Teko Modise and Macbeth Sibaya. Right back Bryce Moon also misses out so Santana has called up Katlego Mashego and two Ajax Cape Town players Lance Davids and Clifford Ngobeni. Mabhuti Khenyeza has been recalled to the squad after the Mamelodi Sundown’s striker was left out of the Confederations Cup squad.

Prediction: With Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomes expected to start up front for Germany and competition still fierce in attack, the hosts should have enough to defeat a spirited Bafana outfit.

Germany 3 South Africa 1

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose scored the goals as Germany consolidated their lead at the top of Group Four with a hard fought victory against a plucky Azerbaijan in Baku.

There was a partisan atmosphere inside the Tofik Bahkramov stadium as Berti Vogts welcomed his native countrymen for the qualifier. However, it was the Germans who produced the workmanlike performance needed to leave with three crucial points.

It was the hosts who made the brighter start though, as Mahir Shukurov produced an excellent cross from the right that neither of his attackers was able to connect with.

Moments later Vagir Javadov found himself clear from a through ball, but Robert Enke came off his line early to thwart the striker.

The positive start by Azerbaijan counted for nothing on 12 minutes with the opening goal falling to Germany. Some slick passing moved the Germans through the Azeri defence and the ball fell to Schweinsteiger on the edge of the box. The Bayern midfielder shifted the ball onto his left foot, before curling a shot just under the bar.

The Germans were still finding it hard to settle after the goal and Azerbaijan continued to equip themselves well and cause some headaches of their own. As the match drifted towards half-time Germany had a couple of opportunities to deliver dangerous set-pieces into the penalty area, but neither of them were able to find the necessary craft to extend the visitors lead.

Azerbaijan caused chaos in the German defence again on 40 minutes when Elnur Allagverdiyev surged past a couple of defenders before being denied by the out-rushing Enke.

Germany on the other hand were given a glorious chance to double their lead just before the interval, but Klose headed down and over when you would have bet your house on him scoring.

He missed another simple header from six yards midway through the second half, but at least by then he had put his name on the scoresheet. Klose was on hand to nod the ball in after Mario Gomez’s shot was tipped on to the crossbar by Farhad Valiyev to give Germany a two-goal cushion in the 54th minute.

The Germans were visibly a class above their opponents now, but Azerbaijan managed to contain their attacking threat and produce another chance of their own.

Javadov curled a shot high and wide from inside the penalty box in the 65th minute after outwitting two defenders on the touchline.

After this fatigue appeared to affect the hosts and in the end Germany eased to the three points with a couple of minor scares along the way. Azerbaijan are still yet to score in the group and face the same opposition again on September 9th. As for the Germans, they are now four points clear in the group. However, Russia have a match in hand and are still to host Germany in Moscow which means this group could still go down to the wire.

Germany face the arduous trip to the banks of the Caspian Sea to face Azerbaijan on Wednesday evening with a crucial three World Cup qualification points up for grabs. Sitting in the host’s dugout will be former German World Cup winner and manager, Berti Vogts - adding spice to a fixture that normally would be considered no more than an awkward inconvenience on the visitor’s route to South Africa.

Joachim Low’s side currently lie top of qualification in Group Four on 16 points, one clear of Russia with four games remaining. With a top two finish more or less assured Germany will see this match as an opportunity to stamp their authority all over the group. They still have a difficult trip to Moscow on the horizon in a match which may see the winner top the group, therefore making tomorrow’s game in Baku all the more important.

Azerbaijan have only amassed one point from their five games thus far; failing to score in any match. It’s a stat that Vogts is not proud of, but he’s looking forward to the visit of his former team, “Germany are going to win the group, no ifs, no buts, and in my opinion are one of the real favourites for the World Cup. The team are strong from one through to 11. I owe my entire career to the German Football Association, but scoring against Germany would be like winning first prize in the lottery for my team.”

For the Germans they can enter the fray without too many injury concerns. Captain Michael Ballack appears to have recovered from a broken toe after featuring in Chelsea’s Community Shield victory over Manchester United. Lukas Podolski misses out with a thigh injury and Kevin Kuranyi continues to be omitted from the squad. However, Miroslav Klose has made the trip after coming through Bayern Munich’s fixture at the weekend.

Despite the presence of Vogts as opposition manager along with the hassles of distance travelled and meagre surroundings, the visitor’s should have more than enough to overcome Azerbaijan. The match is taking place at the start of a new season with fresh minds and fresh legs. An away victory is critical to Germany’s qualification aspirations and as we’re now at the business end of the group expect to see some trademark efficiency applied.

Prediction: Azerbaijan 0 Germany 4

Date: Wed 11th Aug
Referee: Alan Kelly (IRL)
Kick Off: 5pm GMT/9pm Local

After six games, Germany is on top of Group 4 of the European World Cup Qualifiers. They currently sit on first place, 4 points ahead of second placed Russia and having a goal difference of 14 (18 GF 4 GA)

The team has been playing completely different football since the 2006 World Cup which they hosted. With 4 more matches to go and top scorer Lucas Podolski (4 GF) on top form Germany, there is no doubt Germany will proceed to the next round.

The 2010 World Cup squad is likely to be made up of the likes of Michael Ballack, Lucas Podolski, Phillip Lahm and many other renowned players.

Surprisingly, Coach Joachim Low has ruled out the possibility of Jens Lehmann being goalkeeper for Germany in the 2010 World Cup campaign.

“There is no question with Jens Lehmann,” Low told the Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung.

“No member of the Germany backroom staff ever has said we want him back.

“Calling him up again would be the wrong message. We have four keepers in mind: Adler, Enke, Wiese and Neuer.”