Manager: Joachim Loew

Key player: Michael Ballack

Best: Winners (1954, 1974, 1990)

World ranking: 6

Only Brazil and Italy have won the World Cup on more occasions than three-time champions Germany. They have also been runners-up on four occasions and have more semi-final appearances than any other side with 11. They have not missed a World Cup finals since 1950 and that record was extended as they booked their place with a 1-0 victory away to their group rivals Russia. Miroslav Klose's 35th-minute strike clinched the win and saw Germany win the group with one round of matches remaining.

A strong qualifying campaign suggests they will once again be a force in South Africa, albeit not as powerful as they once were. Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack and Bayern Munich striker Miroslav Klose remain world-class talents whilst young Werder Bremen winger Mesut Ozil is one to watch. They were comfortably beaten 2-1 by England in a friendly in Berlin late last year, but with their game faces on they will be a different proposition and should figure at the business end of proceedings.