All set for another successful campaign for Germany

Germany have a very impressive World Cup record. Even Brazil can't match it. The nation has so far taken part of 16 World Cup finals. They've ended with 3 wins, 4 runners-up positions and 2 3rd places. Plus they've reached the quarter-finals stage three times. That's 12 competitions! And it looks to be same in South Africa 2010.

What's weird with Germany is, that their squad is entirely made up of players playing in the local league. Or is it actually weird? The German Budesliga has grown to be one of the most tightly contested league's is recent season's and it's also the league with the biggest average spectator numbers.

The current side is also very young. Only players, who are 30 playing against Ivory Coast in a recent friendly, was Arne Friedrich. Most players are at their peak (25-29) or just about to reach it. Being blessed in every department of the field with two classy players for each position.

Germany has always been a smart side. Instead of passing teams to death, like Spain or Brazil can't do, the Germans always practise, what seems to be defensive play, but it's smart in its attacking positions. They're tough to beat, always capable of getting their way back into the game. As a matter of fact, Germany has only lost 5 matches since hosting the World Cup 2006.

Lead by Joachim Löw, who was assistant manager for Jürgen Klinsmann in in the 2006 tournament, the team will be up there with the best. Maybe they can even go all the way and dedicate the success to goalkeeper Robert Enke, who sadly died last month under tragic circumstances.