Your bluffer's guide to the World Cup: Germany 🇩🇪 | OneFootball

In the latest of this series ahead of the World Cup in Russia, here is all you need to know about the reigning world champions Germany.

If they’re good enough to leave a player like Leroy Sané at home, we might as well give them the trophy back already.

The key player is … Thomas Müller

In a squad containing two or sometimes three world-class players in every department, it’s almost impossible to pick a star man. But Thomas Müller is arguably Germany’s most important player, and one who has become an icon of Joachim Löw’s tenure in charge of the national team.

Charisma, technique and a great eye for goal, Müller is the perfect synthesis of what many define as a “modern attacker”. Nine times out of ten, Bayern Munich’s Raumdeuter (“space interpreter”) finds himself in the right place at the right time and it’s no coincidence that he needs just seven more goals to surpass Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals.

In the 2014 tournament in Brazil, the 28-year-old scored four times and though it will be difficult to beat that tally this time around, you’d be a fool to bet against him.

The young player to watch out for is … Julian Brandt

The man who effectively took Sané’s place in the squad may not be as well known around the world as the Manchester City man at the moment, but that could all be about to change.

Brandt is a 22-year-old winger from Bayer Leverkusen who is right-footed but is equally comfortable operating on either flank. Last season, he scored 12 goals and assisted seven others in all competitions, and he’s probably a better tactical fit for Löw’s system than Sané given he’s used to operating in a similar one at club level.

He’s unlikely to be an automatic starter at the World Cup but if Brandt is able to replicate his performances at last summer’s Confederations Cup when he gets his chance, that decision to leave Sané at home might not seem so insane after all.

I would like a fun fact about the coach. What can you tell me?

Jogi Löw is a great lover of Italy and has enjoyed many holidays in the country, where he’s rarely seen without a cup of espresso in hand.

We know this because Nello Di Martino, the Italian former coach of Hertha BSC, spent some time with Löw while Germany were preparing to face Brazil in a friendly in the nation’s capital earlier this year and the two men are said to have spoken about their shared passion for Italy over coffee.

If I were to get a line of the national anthem tattooed onto my back, what should I go for?

How about: “Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit sind des Glückes Unterpfand” which means “Unity and rights and freedom are the basis of good fortune”

They sure are.

Summarise this team for me in one emoji, please

🍺

Who will make their best XI in Russia?

And finally, tell me how the team will perform in Russia?

The holders have to be considered one of the favourites to lift the trophy again in Russia. 2014 was Germany’s first World Cup triumph since 1990 but they’ve made it at least as far as the semi-finals at the last four tournaments and that will be the minimum aim for this one.

The last nation to win back-to-back World Cups was Brazil (1958 and 1962) and though it’s going to be difficult for Germany to achieve that feat this summer, you wouldn’t put it past them.

On paper, they probably have the best group of players at the World Cup but as we know only too well, the game isn’t played on paper.