Since 2006, Germany have won World Championships at the U-17, U-19 and U-21 level. With Michael Ballack injured and much of the past squad descending into senescence it is the young players who must carry them. Not all lack experience. Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger, though 26 and 25, have played the last two tournaments. Thomas Muller, 20, was essential to Bayern Munich’s near treble. The Mannschaft will hope 21-year-old attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil will continue the monster season he had for Werder Bremen.

The major German questions are replacing Ballack in holding midfield and finding someone to score goals. Normally reliable Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose scored only five goals combined in 52 Bundesliga appearances.

Previews for Australia focus on how fit, robust and impressive the surprise Aussies were in 2006. They don’t focus on the players being four years older and woefully out of club form, the absence of a credible striker to fill Mark Viduka’s ample shorts and the fact they’re not coached by Guus Hiddink. To compete, Australia needs great performances from Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and Everton talisman Tim Cahill.

The German team, uncharacteristically, is not very physical. Conceivably, the Aussies could intimidate them, though it’s hard to predict anything but a modest German win. [Photo via Icon]