Germany

Three times World Champions Germany come into this World Cup as one of the favourites, as always, but their hopes have been severely dented by the absence of captain and talisman Michael Ballack.

Coach Jogi Low and the rest of the population were angry and downhearted following the captains injury in the FA Cup final playing with Chelsea, but the show must go on without him and Dei Mannschaft's group looks a lot more difficult without him.

After a difficult period between the late 1990s and early 2006, the Germans have produced one of the best teams in the World again. Sure they reached the final in 2002 but that was largely down to the opposition they faced and the qualities of Oliver Kahn. 

Since 2006 however, Germany are back, and to a degree the traditional physical efficiency is gone, replaced by youth exuberance and pace.   

For the world's sixth ranked team, qualification for 2010 was assured with two victories over rivals Russia, in what was otherwise a straightforward section.

Penalty shoot outs are where Germans are at their strongest, having won four out of four in World Cups, including the quarter final with Argentina in Berlin four years ago. The only shoot out they've ever lost was the 1976 European championship final to Czechoslovakia in Belgrade.

SCHEDULE- Group D

Australia   June 13th- Durban

Serbia      June 18th- Port Elizabeth

Ghana      June 23rd- Johannesburg

Germany remain favourites for the group but their mission will not be as plain sailing as first anticipated, as their may be some inexperience in their own XI, especially at goalkeeper and in midfield, but they should be able to come through the group unbeaten at least. 

Australia may prove to be the weakest of a close run group, so a victory in the first game is a must, while a win in either of the two remaining games should see them come out as group winners.

That is simplifying it however, and all three games will be difficult, and the other teams shouldn't be underestimated. Australia are an improving force and Serbia are certainly a dark horse, lastly there is Ghana, who have provided players to Dei Mannschaft in the past, such as Gerald Asamoah, Jerome Boateng and David Odonkor. This year German born Ghanaian Kevin Prince Boateng, now a villain in Germany because of his tackle on Ballck, may be facing against his home country with his fathers.  

KEY PLAYERS

The spine of the German team will be made up of young Schalke goalkeeper and Under 21 European champion Manuel Neuer, central defender Per Mertesacker of Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich's reborn Bastian Schweinsteiger and Cologne bad boy Lukas Podolski, who will be joined by Bayern bench warmer yet the squad's top scorer, Miroslav Klose.

The spine may not seem as strong as other favourites but it allows more natural talents to blossom, such as right back Philipp Lahm and potential midfielders starters Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil.

Outside the starting XI, Germany are at their strongest and most unpredictable in midfield with youngsters Toni Kroos, Marko Marin and Hamburg's Petr Trochowski waiting in the wings. Additionally Stefan Kiessling has had a breakthrough season in Leverkusen and will be itching to make an impact if given an opportunity.  

ONE TO WATCH- Mesut Ozil

The young diminutive Bremen midfielder of Turkish descent is a star in the making and the big European clubs will have to pay even more to prize him away from Germany if he performs in South Africa

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Germany are always potential winners, but it will still be a big surprise if they can finish off their third place from 2006 and second from Euro 2008 win a victory here.  

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

An early exit, or even a second round exit to the US or England would be unacceptable.

PREDICTION

Should reach the quarter finals, where a potential reunion with Argentina awaits, and another shoot out might be welcomed.