A lowdown on the German squad

              The German side looks the strongest on paper , But what can be expected out of them?

One of the most promising squad is being sent by ‘The European Giants' Germany this year. The side looks well balanced and is a mixture of experience and young talent. All the departments of the game look well covered but what stands out is the midfield. With the likes of Sami Khedira, Mesut Ožil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller and Andre Schurrle the midfield of Germany looks the strongest among all the teams. The substantial tiki-taka style of Germans will also play an important role in their World Cup campaign.

The defence of Germans will be mainly dependent on Phillip Lahm, Jerome Boateng and Per Mertesacker. Other defenders are young and low on experience so Lahm has to guide his troops well. The attack looks safe in the hands of Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose, who will be supported very well by their midfielders such as the dynamic and reliable Marco Reus .Mario Gomez will  sit out after enduring an injury prone season with Fiorentina but the inclusion of youngster such as Kevin Volland did surprise many and in case,he manages to break into the first squad it will be a real death knell for Gomez to tolerate.

The target man must be a goal poaching candidate and Miroslav Klose,if fit,must take up the role. Or else,Kruse or Volland would consider the spot to be up for grabs and may look to prove their respective worths.They will,no doubt be fed in by the likes of Reus,Ozil from all facets of the pitch but it remains to be seen whether midfield maestro Sami Khedira would be included in the starting line ups. Khedira would prove out to be a key figure in the German side,considering his exceptional ability to marshal the play for his side.

There would be great expectations from Löew's side as German clubs have performed brilliantly but the national team is still to deliver in international tournaments. The squad does consist of big names but they tend to disappear in big games. The Germans start their world cup campaign against Portugal and would be desperate for a win.

Goal Keepers: Manuel Neuer, Ron-Robert Zieler, Roman Weidenfeller

Defenders: Per Mertesacker,Jerome Boateng,Erik Durm,Kevin Grooskreutz,Benedict Howedes,Mats Hummels,Marcel Jansen,Phillip Lahm,Marcel Schmelzer,Shkhordan Mustafi

Midfielders:Lars Bender,Bastian Schweinsteiger,Julian Draxler,Matthias Ginter,Leon Goretzka,Mario Gotze,Andre Hahn,Sami Khedira,Toni Kroos,Max Meyer,Thomas Muller,Mesut Ozil,Marco Reus,Lukas Podolski,Andre Schurrle

Strikers:Miroslav Klose,Kevin Volland