Germany

Germany are three-time World Cup champions and always there or thereabouts when it comes to the latter stages of the tournament. Even if they are not playing well going into a finals, they manage to find reserves of strength from somewhere and can never be completely ruled out. They have only ever missed two finals, the very first in 1930 when they refused to travel the long distance to Uruguay, and in 1950 when they were banned following the Second World War. Coach: Joachim Löw Nickname: Die Mannschaft Honours: 1954, 1974, 1990 World Cup winners; 1972, 1980, 1996 European champions Previous World Cup appearances: 16 (1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006) Best World Cup finish: Winners - 1954, 1974, 1990