Germany

The European powerhouse that is Germany had a successful Euro 2008, getting all the way to the final only to lose to a fantastic Spanish side.

Now, Joachim Loew will be looking to go all the way in South Africa this June after his side had a superb unbeaten qualifying campaign where they had to contend with European giants Russia.

Older stars like Michael Ballack and goal scorer supreme Miroslav Klose will be playing their hearts out for one last chance at World Cup glory which would be a fitting tribute to goalkeeper Robert Enke who tragically died last November.

Star Man - Bastian Schweinsteiger

With Michael Ballack now absent from South Africa thanks to Kevin Prince Boateng's poorly timed challenge in the FA Cup Final, Germany's key player in midfield will be

With 73 caps at the age of 25, Schweinsteiger is already an international veteran and his experience will be thoroughly needed, especially now Ballack is absent. The Bayern Munich star will also need to help out young playmaker Mesut Ozil who will be playing in his first major international tournament.

Schweinsteiger is able to play in every position across the midfield and up until last season he regularly lined up on the left wing for his club side Bayern, but now with Robben and Ribery running riot on the wings he has matured into a classy central midfielder and his versatility means he can be a threat all over the pitch.

Coach - Joachim Loew

Taking over from German legend Jurgen Klinsmann in 2006 could have been a tough act to follow but Joachim Loew has risen to the challenge and succeeded.

He guided the side to the final of Euro 2008 where they faced the amazingly talented Spanish side who won 1-0.

Now Loew will be back with his side and hoping for a similar success story especially with youngsters Mesut Ozil and Marko Marin bolstering an already strong squad.

Loew a talented tactician is always willing to experiment with different formations should he wish to start certain players so don't be surprised if he strays away from the tried and tested 4-4-2.

One to Watch - Mesut Ozil

Those who watched England's Under 21s last summer get defeated 4-0 by Germany may remember young Ozil as the player who destroyed our defence and netted twice.

Of Turkish descent Ozil qualifies for Germany as he was born there in the town of Gelsenkirchen. Werder Bremen managed to snap up the youngster from Schalke in January 2008 and was seen as a natural successor to the unsettled Diego who would later leave for Juventus.

Ozil's playmaking ability slotted behind a front 2 has seen national team manager Joachim Loew create a new formation to house the magnificent youngster and he could well sparkle in a diamond formation in South Africa.

Odds to win - 14/1

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