GERMANY TEAM PROFILE : A nation for the big occasion

Even the top pundits in the game know better than to write off Germany ahead of a major championships.

Major force
Their performance in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where they lost 2-0 to Brazil in the final, showed that - even without Franz Beckenbauer, Lothar Matthäus and Jürgen Klinsmann in their ranks - Germany are still one of the major forces in the world game.

Tough qualification
Their form in the build up to UEFA EURO 2004™ was consistent if a little unspectacular. Drawn with Iceland, Scotland, Lithuania and the Faroe Islands, Germany were expected to qualify at a canter. Rudi Völler's side remained unbeaten throughout but struggled in the goalscoring department, relying heavily on their miserly defence to book their ticket to Portugal.

World stars
Before the 2002 World Cup Germany were criticised for their negative tactics and the fact that they had no superstars in their squad. However, some breathtaking displays from midfield player Michael Ballack and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn soon silenced their detractors.

New Beckenbauer
Indeed, the form of Ballack and their inspirational captain Kahn - both plying their trade at FC Bayern München - will be crucial to Germany's success in Portugal. Ballack, regarded as the new Beckenbauer, is the complete midfield player. Not only does he score goals for fun, he possesses great passing, tackling and aerial ability.

Midfield quartet
Völler's direct tactics often see the German midfield bypassed but - when called upon - Ballack is likely to be paired with playmaker Sebastian Deisler in the creative department.

Graft over craft
Germany's recent success has been based more on industry than their craft, with the tireless work of Jens Jeremies in a holding role in front of the back four alongside Bernd Schneider. Worryingly for Völler, however, Ballack is Germany's only genuine outfield star and the heartbeat of the German side.

Blunt attack
The coach's primary concern is his side's inability to find the net. With goals hard to come by, Ballack's driving runs from midfield have been their most penetrative offering in qualification. Their disappointing performance upfront in the 1-1 draw at home against Lithuania highlighted this problem.

Kuranyi class
Völler leaned heavily on the young shoulders of striker Miroslav Klose to score the goals in Korea/Japan but the 1. FC Kaiserslautern striker has been consigned to the bench in recent matches, with Fredi Bobic and Kevin Kuranyi preferred in the two attacking berths.

Form in front of goal
With controversial striker Carsten Jancker no longer in the equation, Germany's chances of success in Portugal may hinge on one of these three forwards finding their form at international level.

Resolute defence
One area which Völler can rely on is his defence which is superbly organised by their boisterous keeper. Kahn, who turns 35 during EURO 2004™, was voted best player at the 2002 World Cup after some stunning displays as Germany's last line of defence.

Solid back four
Kahn remains one of the best goalkeepers in the game, showing remarkable agility for his age and bossing his box and his stalwart defenders. The back four boasts uncompromising centre-back Marko Rehmer, Christian Wörns and rising stars Arne Friedrich and Christoph Metzelder.

Over achieved
It is remarkable that Völler took this squad all the way to the World Cup final in 2002 but, as Europe's best performers, there is no reason why Germany cannot secure their third UEFA European Championship. After all there is a lot to be said for efficiency, unity and good organisation.

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