World Cup Group F team profile: Germany: How they qualified, star man, World Cup record, fixtures

ByEurosport

Updated 06/06/2018 at 14:01 GMT

Winners in 2014, Germany's awesome strength in depth was showcased when Joachim Low decided he could leave the PFA Young Player of the Year, Leroy Sane, at home.

Germany

Image credit: Eurosport

Honours: World Cup 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014; European Championship, 1972, 1980, 1996.
FIFA Ranking: 1

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

Germany crushed the qualifying process with 10 straight wins, 30 perfect points and a goal difference of 43:4. Unlike the qualifying process for Euro 2016, Germany were highly focused from the very start and lead second-placed Northern Ireland by 11 points.

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THE SQUAD

STAR MAN - Toni Kroos

One of the players who helped Germany become world champions four years ago, Kroos has truly ascended to the ranks of the world class in recent seasons.

With Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Liverpool in Kiev, Kroos secured his third Champions League title in a row, and fourth overall, to become the most successful German in the history of the competition.

Jogi Low has installed this native of Mecklenburg as the fulcrum of his midfield, with Kroos' passing from deep setting the tempo for Germany.

NEXT BIG THING - Timo Werner

Timo Werner of Germany runs with the ball during the International Friendly match between Austria and Germany

Image credit: Getty Images

At 22, Werner has already seen a lot in his young career. After joining RP Leipzig and then committing an infamous dive in a match against Schalke in 2016, Werner was made persona non grata in almost all German stadiums and even during his outings for the national team.

But Werner overcame the controversy and goes into the World Cup as Germany's likely centre-forward thanks to his lightning pace and record for Leipzig, which has seen him score 42 goals in 77 appearances.

THE COACH - Joachim Low

Low has been Germany manager since 2006, when he was promoted from assistant manager following Jurgen Klinsmann's decision not to continue after the 2006 World Cup.

His record in internationals tournaments is exceptional, having won the 2014 World Cup, lost in the final of Euro 2008 and reached the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012 and Euro 2016.

Low was handed a new deal by Germany before the World Cup even started and is now under contract until 2022.

WORLD CUP HISTORY

Germany's Mario Gotze scores the winning goal in the World Cup final

Image credit: PA Photos

Since 2002, Germany have been more consistent World Cup performers than any other team in the world, reaching at least the semi-finals until they finally beat Argentina in Rio four years ago thanks to Mario Gotze's goal.

With four victories to their name, Germany can level Brazil's all-time record of five if they triumph in Russia.

REASONS FOR OPTIMISM

In terms of squad depth, no other country has the options at Germany's disposal. Last summer, Germany won the European Under-21 Championship and the Confederations Cup - the latter without the biggest stars like Kroos, Manuel Neuer, Mesut Ozil, Jerome Boateng or Thomas Muller.

In addition, with the pacey Werner and a resurgent Mario Gomez, the problems in attack which were evident at Euro 2016 should no longer be a concern.

FIXTURES

June 17th: Mexico
June 23rd: Sweden
June 27th: South Korea

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