World Cup Viewer’s Guide: Germany seeks World Cup rebound
This is the first time Germany have reached the World Cup final since 1970. Can they do it after a string of results that have seen them come from behind to grab an unassailable two goals to one lead against Ghana.
Key point: There is little doubt there is still plenty to play for in the final, but Germany are favourites to win.
Match of the Day: Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
Germany v Ghana
The Germans are a world beater in Germany and have the makings of a great team as well, but the manner in which they have lost this World Cup have been very harsh.
Now they’re in the final they must come back like they did against the USA in 1996 and the Netherlands in 2002.
“I’m coming here to win,” said Joachim Low, the German coach. “We have to try to be the best team in this competition. We have to try and close the competition and in general make it difficult for everybody else. That is also what we try to do.”
Germany have not won a World Cup at home. They are a team that has won four out of their six previous World Cups. They were runners-up at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, where they were defeated by a very strong Argentinian team. They also reached the tournament final in France in 1998 and were defeated by Brazil.
“The most important thing is to be able to get the ball, to be able to put the ball in the box and be able to make the right passes,” said Timo Horn, the Germany midfielder.
“We must be able to defend and be able to attack. We have to be brave because Ghana are a good team. I am sure they will be tough. We’ve trained very well and the last couple of days we’ve been playing against a bit of an unknown.”