Champions in 1972, 1980 and 1996, runners up in 1976 and 1992 and semi-finallists in 1988, Germany's reputation has been seriously damaged by two successive first round exits in 2000 and 2004. While their national team is still miles behind the glory days of twelve years ago, they will still be out to keep the momentum built up on home soil in World Cup 2006 going and again make an assault on the trophy.
A sound stuffing on German soil by eventual Group D winners Czech Republic was undoubtedly the low point of Germany's qualification campaign but they still eased home in second place, a good ten points ahead of third placed Republic of Ireland who they failed to beat either home or away. A goal hungry attitude to group minnows Cyprus and San Marino coupled with a typically tight defence were the stand out points of a workmanlike qualification campaign.
Joachim Low may have been only an assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann at World Cup 2006 but it was universally acknowledged that the quiet assistant was the real tactical power behind Klinsmann's cheerleading and motivational throne. An inconspicuous coaching career led to a chance meeting with Klinsmann at a coaching conference and the rest is now history. Eager and aggressive in his tactics, Low has marshalled the German side into an effective attacking unit and deserves respect as one of Europe's brightest coaches.
His move to Chelsea may not have brought the same success as his time at Bayern Munich but captain Michael Ballack has recently started to find some form and when up to speed he is as devastating a midfield player as there is in the game. Good on the ball and in the air, he creates and scores goals at will.
An accomplished goalscorer at World Cup level for Germany, Miroslav Klose needs to replicate this at Euro 2008 to really push Germany into contention. A new lease of life at Bayern Munich has helped his game and he should be in fine form for a tilt at possibly the last tournament of his international career.
