Germany – World Cup Preview

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It’s all about lean, mean efficiency this year for Germany. Hit by injuries the team will be hard pressed to relive former glories – but write them off at your peril, Germany are still a force to be contended with.

As winners thrice and runners up on four occasions the Germans, as always, have high expectations going into this years tournament. But recent setbacks mean captain Michael Ballack is out, as is Christian Traesch, leaving big holes in midfield. Philipp Lahm is to take Ballack’s place as skipper.

This was also preceded by the withdrawal of first choice keeper Rene Adler after a rib injury, his replacement will likely be either Manuel Neuer or Tim Wiese, both of whom have barely played for the national side. Keeper Robert Enke, once the country’s No. 1, tragically ended his own life last year after a six year fight with depression.

But perhaps manager Joachim Low is the man to bring the rest of the team together, after filling the shoes of Jurgen Klinsmann after the World Cup back in 2006 he’s since taken the team to the final of the Euro 2008 tournament.

Low guided his team through qualifying admirably and Germany finished top of their group, only dropping points by twice drawing with Finland. If the confidence displayed here can be carried on into the tournament then star strikers Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski will surely benefit. The two of them are no misfires either, having netted over 90 goals between them at this level.

Taking over Ballack’s duties in midfield, if not the captaincy, is Bastian Schweinsteiger who looks more than capable as an energetic, technical player. Also in midfield, providing some unusual flair and trickery for a German team, will be Mesut Ozil – his youthful ability and play-making skills could be the key that unlocks Germany’s world Cup potential.