Germany
Group A | World Ranking: 19 Coach: Juergen Klinsmann
Key Players: Michael Ballack (midfield), Miroslav Klose (striker)
Past Record: Winners (as West Germany) 1954, 1974, 1990; Runners-up 1966, 1982, 1986, 2002. Have qualified for every World Cup since 1954 Group A Results:
June 9: Costa Rica (4-2 | Report)
June 14: Poland (1-0 | Report)
June 20: Ecuador (3-0 | Report) Knockout Stages:
June 24: Sweden (2-0 | Report)
June 30: Argentina (1-1 aet; Germany win 4-2 on penalties | Report)
July 4: ltaly (0-2 | Report)
July 8: Portugal (3-1 | Report) Knockout Stages Summary:
The hosts crashed out in cruel fashion in the semifinal, conceding two goals deep in extra time against Italy just as the match seemed destined to go to penalties. Juergen Klinnsman's side could have been forgiven for hanging on for a shootout, having eliminated highly-fancied Argentina in the quarterfinals with a flawless performance from the penalty spot after battling from a goal down for a 1-1 draw. With little expected of them at the start of the tournament, Germany's run to the last four represents a highly credible campaign by Klinsmann and his players. Group Summary:
The hosts ignited the World Cup with a thrilling 4-2 win over Costa Rica in the opening game which was capped by a stunning strike by Torsten Frings. A last minute goal from Oliver Neuville carried them past Poland before Germany sealed first place in the group in convincing style, beating Ecuador 3-0 with the prolific Miroslav Klose scoring twice. Pre-Tournament Preview:
The three-times winners and hosts may have a formidable World Cup pedigree but the air of invincibility that once characterized German football belongs to the distant past. Few home fans will be expecting much from their side and, after a string of poor results in recent friendlies, most will simply be hoping that Juergen Klinnsman's side avoids embarrassment. But, then again, expectations were equally low four years ago, when Germany surprised everyone by reaching the final. SquadGoalkeepers:
1. Jens Lehmann (Arsenal)
12. Oliver Kahn (Bayern Munich)
23. Timo Hildebrand (Stuttgart) Defenders:
2. Marcell Jansen (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
3. Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin)
4. Robert Huth (Chelsea)
6. Jens Nowotny (Bayer Leverkusen)
16. Phillipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)
17. Per Mertesacker (Hannover 96)
21. Christoph Metzelder (Borussia Dortmund) Midfielders:
5. Sebastian Kehl (Borussia Dortmund)
7. Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)
8. Torsten Frings (Werder Bremen)
13. Michael Ballack (Bayern Munich)
15. Thomas Hitzlsperger (Stuttgart)
18. Tim Borowski (Werder Bremen)
19. Bernd Schneider (Bayer Leverkusen)
22. David Odonkor (Borussia Dortmund) Forwards:
9. Mika Hanke (Schalke)
10. Oliver Neuville (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
11. Miroslav Klose (Werder Bremen)
14. Gerald Asamoah (Schalke)
20. Lukas Podolski (Cologne)
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