FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Team Profile: Germany

World Cup Appearances: Germany has played in the World Cup fifteen times (1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002). The 2006 World Cup will be their sixteenth appearance.

Best Finish: Germany has won the World Cup three different times (1954, 1974, 1990).

Team Colors: Germany wears black, white, yellow, and red.

Current FIFA World Soccer Ranking: Germany is currently ranked nineteenth in the FIFA World Soccer Rankings. Despite the ranking, Germany is one of the favorites to win the 2006 World Cup as many key players have returned from injuries, and the tournament is on their home soil.

Key Players:
Miroslav Klose: Klose made his World Cup debut in the 2002 World Cup. He immediately became an international star as he tallied five goals in the tournament, finishing second overall. Klose has the ability to make superb runs that open him up for one of the best headers in the world.

Michael Ballack: Ballack will be the captain for Germany in the 2006 World Cup. After helping lead the Germans to the World Cup Final in 2002, Ballack is facing a lot of pressure to push his team toward victory in their home tournament. Unfortunately, Ballack has faced a slight calf injury leading up to the World Cup, which could leave him out of some of the games in the group stage.

Jens Lehmann: Lehmann is a controversial decision at goalkeeper for Germany as he earned the starting role over national hero, Oliver Kahn. Lehmann has been the anchor in goal for many strong club teams in Europe over the years, but this will be his first starting role for Germany in a major international tournament. Lehmann should make some huge saves for Germany if he can handle the pressure from the fans and the media in Germany.

Coach: Juergen Klinsmann is the coach of Germany. He has been their coach since 2004. Although Klinsmann lacks the experience of coaching at a high level, he is one of the best players in the history of German soccer.

Group Schedule: Germany is in Group A with Costa Rica, Poland, and Ecuador. As the home team, Germany plays in the opening match of the 2006 World Cup against Costa Rica on June 9 in Munich. Their second game is against Poland on June 14 in Dortmund. They finish up group play on June 20 in Berlin against Ecuador.