Coach: Jurgen Klinsmann

Star Players: Michael Ballack, Sebastian Deisler, Lucas Podolski

Tournament Best: Winners 1954, 1974, 1990

Last Time: Lost to Brazil in the Final

Qualifying: Automatic as hosts

Top Scorer In Qualifying: N/A

Since Klinsmann was installed as manager, Germany have looked towards youth in their quest to return to the force they once were.

Striker Lucas Podolski and midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger are the most successful of the new breed of German players and will be worth keeping an eye on.

Whilst Germany's squad does not compare with the likes of Brazil, England or Italy, they do still pose a serious threat, as they showed at the last World Cup.

They have a solid defence and players such as Ballack and Deisler in midfield who can score and create goals.

Up front is where they are most lacking, but if Podolski can perform on the big stage, Germany will have every chance of success.

It is also impossible to overestimate the importance of home advantage, as South Korea proved in 2002.