As a fan it was hard to go back to watching the German national team get back to playing football. It brought a smile to my face, however, when the Ivory Coast came out of the dressing room reminding us all of the common noble spirit of football and human compassion. Over their brilliant orange jerseys were black armbands and white shirts in honor of Robert Enke.

The German team also emerged with black armbands in addition to their new 2010 home jerseys. The team seemed for the first quarter hour cohesive and galvanized. They were rewarded with a penalty that Lukas Podolski duly converted – dedicating it to Robert.

Then things truly reverted to normalcy. Perhaps the players were still shaken by the events and lost focus, perhaps it was too early to play football again, whatever the reason Germany sat back and let the Ivory Coast into the game. The truth may be that the Ivory Coast had a much better midfield on the day. The German defense was repeatedly carved open exposing Phillip Lahm’s shaky mindset and recent unfamiliarity with playing at left back.

The players still had the best of intentions and tried their best to remind themselves the significance of the match. Podolski, Trochowski, and Özil all had great chances on goal, but it was the Ivory Coast who struck next. Actually, it was Heiko Westermann who made an all too familiar poor choice in central defense. Under pressure Westermann hit a dangerous backpass to Manuel Neuer with other options open. Neuer in turn made a horrific clearance that struck an onrushing forward and the Schalke keeper watched helplessly as the ball rebounded into the net.

A good while of last-minute defending for both sides ensued along with a number of substitutions including the dejected exit of Jerome Boateng and the late debut of Aaron Hunt. Again it was Westermann who broke the stalemate. He was predictably caught out of position watching, as two forwards combined to daze Lahm for the 1-2 in the 85TH minute. The team at least didn’t give up and the substitutions brought a bit more life into the game. It was finally Westermann who charged forward and threaded a pass to Podolski who showed great skill with his left foot to equalize.

All in all the players did well. The team tried to win it. Wiese was rarely bothered. Neuer will have have better days. Westermann clearly would make a better midfielder than central defender. Lahm needs to learn being a left back again. Boateng needs to be more careful in the penalty area. Kiessling deserved his callup. Hitzlsperger once again did not.

As for Löw, he has become so predictable since Euro 2008 that BILD correctly predicted his lineup and formation a day before it was released. He now has the pool of players to potentially win the trophy in 2010. He just does not seem flexible enough to do it. His substitutions were once again ineffectual, but what can be expected of players introduced in the 80TH minute of a friendly in unfamiliar positions? Why position players whose strengths are predominately elsewhere, why choose players who are better left on the bench if not home, why not nominate players who have actually achieved something as of late?

These are all questions to be answered in the next few months in the next international year. So here is hoping to 2010… a year where a player like Marin can at least play instead of watching Hitzlsperger for 90 minutes from the bench.

For the friendly matches against Chile (Köln) and the Ivory Coast (Gelsenkirchen) Löw has nominated the England prospect Aaron Hunt, the mercurial Thomas Müller, the Bundesliga topscorer Stefan Kießling, and of course the ever present Thomas Hitzlsperger.

Overall this is a good selection, but one wonders why a player like Hitzlsperger merits a call up when he as captain of his club was benched because of his form? Also adding to this questionable selection are his fellow Stuttgart teammates Cacau and Sedar Tasci who were likely not picked at the last moment because of injury.

Unfortunately, injury has also sidelined Simon Rolfes, Torsten Frings, and Sami Khedira. One wonders still why Benedikt Höwedes nor Mats Hummels have not been selected despite the obvious sore lack of quality in central defense. There are also other players who deserve a dishonorable mention concerning their nominations chiefly the misfiring Mario Gomez, but let’s focus on the positives…

Tor

Rene Adler (Bayer Leverkusen), Manuel Neuer (FC Schalke 04), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen)

Abwehr

Andreas Beck (TSG Hoffenheim), Jerome Boateng (Hamburger SV), Arne Friedrich (Hertha BSC Berlin), Philipp Lahm (FC Bayern München), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Marcel Schäfer (VfL Wolfsburg), Heiko Westermann (FC Schalke 04)

Mittelfeld

Michael Ballack (FC Chelsea), Christian Gentner (VfL Wolfsburg), Thomas Hitzlsperger (VfB Stuttgart), Aaron Hunt (Werder Bremen), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen), Thomas Müller (FC Bayern München), Mesut Özil (Werder Bremen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (FC Bayern München), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburger SV)

Angriff

Mario Gomez (FC Bayern München), Stefan Kießling (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Miroslav Klose (FC Bayern München), Lukas Podolski (1. FC Köln)

The crowd was right to jeer a hapless first-half performance by an “experimental” German side in Hamburg in the final DFB 2010 World Cup qualification fixture. With a ninth win the 2010 qualification campaign would have been Germany’s most successful ever. Thanks to a determined Finnish side and some horrible performances by a team arranged in a hopelessly incoherent Euro 2008 style 4-2-2-2 the game ended 1-1. It was a fair reflection of the match even though Germany had several chances to win it in the dying minutes.

Adler was the only reason we did not lose. He could do nothing about the goal where Westermann watched and Lahm was simply too short to make a difference.

Beck had perhaps the most promising performance of the entire team. He was still surging forward at the end. He provided some great runs, a hard shot, and some deep crosses. He was caught out a couple of times, but his high work-rate throughout the match was commendable.

Friedrich did all right for this match. He made no glaring errors, played a very intelligent offside trap, and got out of some very dangerous situations. He should not have been playing so close to Adler, but that is more of a failure from the midfield that he could not compensate for. Overall he is still useful only in the substitute central defender capacity.

Westermann played like usual. He was caught rooted to the ground and nowhere near a Finland player for the goal. If he starts during the World Cup then he will cost us. His redeeming quality was that he was good going forward and some credit has to be given to him for the goal. The verdict is he should not be playing central defense!

Lahm was the most likely player to score a goal it seemed. During the first half he was essentially turned into a left-midfielder. He tried his best to cut in and break through the Finnish defense, but every time he passed the ball one of Hitzlsperger, Trochowski, or Cacau managed to lose it.

Trochowski was a twelfth man for Finland in the first half. He lost about every ball played to him. After he shifted to the right wing in the second half he was far more reliable, but nothing inspiring. He wasted his chance to shine at home in Hamburg.

Hitzlsperger should never be called again. Not only was he ineffective in his passing and retention, but also he might as well have not been there defensively. His performance is absolutely inexcusable as a defensive midfielder and even his pal Löw had to yank him off at half-time

Gentner didn’t really shine. He had a goal-shy performance probably because he didn’t want to be booed. Defensively he was better than the other midfielders, but that’s not saying much.

Ballack was not meant to be played in his old role or the entire match. He was stretched thin by his teammates. To compensate for the lack of Özil he had to go forward, create, and distribute in addition to defend the back four with the invisible Hitzlsperger.

Özil had an average game by his own standards. He lost the ball several times and wasted a few clear cut opportunities. He needs to work on his finishing. Still, without him the tying goal would not have happened. He is here to stay and will start guaranteed from now on along with Ballack.

Podolski at least saved us from a loss. His goal was fortunate and he had blown a few shots earlier. He was by no means spectacular in the unbalanced 4-4-2, so average that Lahm was often found in front of him during the game.

Klose missed the chance to one win it after a cross from Beck. His awareness and quick reaction was critical in creating the goal chance.

Cacau was ineffective and to be honest I am not sure what position he played. He was roaming around the length of the pitch putting in a mediocre touch here and a mediocre pass there. Maybe he would have played better with coordination around him, but on this showing he should not be called up again seeing as how there are much better striking options available.

Gomez is now in crisis. He had a few chances from set pieces, but his psychosis began to tell. Once again Klose showed him how it is done. Gomez is a target man who can’t finish, he does not have the ability to provide chances and his depression after spurning a chance ruins whatever rebound or subsequent chance he has. He needs to work out his problems, but not on the time of the national team.

Löw should be sent to Turkey for free after this display. The lineup was wrong and he was too scared to compensate once again. He could have given Marin some running time, but instead he selected his old favorites with disastrous effect. To be fair there was no way he could correct his faulty starting eleven. In order to prevent aggravating an injury Ballack had to come off in favor of Gentner. To save some face Özil and Klose had to be put on thus leaving Marin on the bench. I honestly wanted us to lose, because that way even he cannot forget the burn of picking his useless Stuttgart pal Hitzlsperger.

1. All is well that ends well. Well, at least the realization that this team can up its’ game when needed is encouraging. In previous games there had always been a little bit of uncertainty over whether the team just couldn’t care less or just can’t do it any better. That being said, to see a Germany team under Löw that is playing well for the whole 90 minutes, we’ll have to go all the way back to the Euro 2008 qualifiers. Yet, Germany keep their 100% on the road record in World Cup qualifiers and Russia lose theirs on home soil. That Germany needed the referee to misjudge Arne Friedrich’s late tackle in the box is one of the things, that doesn’t end up in the statistics.

2. Guus Hiddink can change a game. Jogi Löw has beaten Guus Hiddink twice now, and both times it came by virtue of a good first half performance. Löw certainly deserves credit for his ability to figure out a good initial line up and tactics for a match. Yet, when it comes to reading a game and adjusting your tactics and making the right substitutions as the game progresses, Hiddink is one head and shoulder above Löw. In both games Russia managed to turn the table on Germany and in both cases the only answer Germany had, was riding out the storm and grinding out the victory with a bit of luck. I’m not sure whether this is something where Löw can still improve until 2010. Maybe we should rather put our hopes on Löw assembling ever better teams, that are less vulnerable to other coaches tactical interventions…

3. Germany can’t counter attack. At least not via the wings and with pace. Overall there just aren’t enough players available, who can burst through the defense and open up the required space. One Podolski on the wings doesn’t cut it. With that option unavailable though, Germany can’t afford to lose control of a match, like they did in the second half in Moscow. That doesn’t necessarily equal always enjoying the majority of possession and passing the ball around aimlessly. Germany’s midfield just needs to remain in a position, where it can push up field and move the offense into position at any time. At that point we have the players, who can break most or even any defense, both through the center or from the wings with some clever through balls and one-twos. The Ribbery and Robben type of winger are still something that the German FA might want to put on its’ youth center’s to-do lists for the future. Can’t hurt to have them.

4. The door isn’t closed on Germany’s U21 European Champions. Looking back at Germany’s qualification campaign, I’d give it one out of two possible points. The one point is for getting the job done and qualifying. The missing point is for failing to build a World Cup ready team. For that the majority of games were just too lackluster, uninspired and flawed by enduring problems in Germany’s defense and offense. In that respect it’s good to hear that Löw intends to use the three remaining matches this year, to test a few younger players. The instant impact Mesut Özil had on the team, certainly helped opening the door for other talents as well. I presume defenders and creative midfielders will receive preferential treatment. Some fresh blood may also help to shake things up a bit in the team. Players like Özil certainly can lift the mood, as his team mates see that he can really make a difference and is not just a player for the depth charts. At the same time there’s more competition for the available starting spots, which might help dealing with some of our more complacent fellows.

5. I’m not entirely sold on Germany’s one striker tactics. The game against South Africa showed some promise with Özil and Marin supporting the lone striker, so it’s a matter of having the right creative players available to make those formations appear more positive and attack minded and less destructive. I’m still secretly hoping to see a glorious return of the Euro 2008 qualifying Germany complete with its’ original 4-4-2 though.

Adler – 8.5 : Adler was as good as a second goal. He was absolutely solid when called upon with a crucial one-on-one save and a string of excellent parries to deny Russia.

Boateng – 5.0 : By far not his best performance. Although both his yellow cards were key tactical fouls, he put the team in a perilous situation just when Russia were coming into the game. Nonetheless, this was his debut and hopefully Löw can use him correctly in the future as a CB.

Mertesacker – 6.0 : Job done not much else. He was good in the air and dealt with a few dangerous situations to his credit. Made a big flopping fall when he was out of position that nearly gifted a goal.

Westermann – 6.5 : Made a credible match. He was the better central defender. He started the game with a good Carsten Ramelow like run-and-shot to shake up the Russians a bit early on. He was imperious in the air and positioned well throughout most of the game. Of course he did make a poor decision in one of his clearances that nearly resulted in a goal, but that’s just classic Westermann.

Lahm – 7.0 : Solid display overall. Lahm is simply better on the left. He closed down the opposition well and made some good runs forward. The Russian attack adjusted by attacking on the flank where Lahm was not. Lahm had a good effort wide on goal after a trademark cut-ins from the left.

Schweini – 7.5 : Must have confused Russia with Portugal. Schweini put in a very attractive performance in a position he usually does not play so well in. He showcased some wonderful individual movements, combined well with the team, and most importantly held possession when needed. Maybe he thought he should actually live up to his potential for once. I am glad he picked this game to do it.

Ballack – 7.0 : Still the undisputed captain. Lead by example seems to be Ballack’s credo. After a really nasty looking foul it seemed Ballack needed to be replaced and Germany’s hopes for the night substantially lowered. Instead he clenched his teeth, walked it off, and harried his team to victory. He had a good chance to put the result beyond doubt near the end. Ballack is still the focal point of Germany hopes for 2010.

Rolfes – 7.0 : Replicated club form. It seems Löw is always bent on choosing one of Hitzlsperger or Rolfes for DM when better options like Hummels and Kehl are in waiting. Since the Hitzlsperger has less tacking ability than Rolfes, Löw made the right decision for this game. Rolfes has been in great form for his club lately and did a good job irritating Russia’s attack and breaking up play.

Podolski – 7.0 : Good passing for a striker. Löw might have gotten something right here on first try in playing Poldi in midfield in important games. Podolski provided a wonderful precision pass to Özil who then drew the Russian keeper. Otherwise he needs to improve his finishing ability.

Özil – 7.5 : Awake when it mattered. He drifted in and out and was pretty useless defensively, but provided the goal with great vision and his usual nimbleness. He was a bit unlucky not to get on the score-sheet with his drive from distance. An ever-improving Özil is crucial for 2010.

Klose – 7.5 : Did his usual thing. Klose is such a paradox. You wonder if he is even on the pitch for half the game and then he scores that crucial goal out of nowhere. Perhaps that explains his goal record of 48 in 96 appearances. That’s half isn’t it? Not bad. Now he is just a few goals away from being second only to Gerd Muller. As a reward he’ll have a nice warm place on the bench at Bayern

Friedrich – 5.5 : Brought his club along. Friedrich was not in form for this match as he was probably thinking about his relegation bound club. His frightening lack of pace showed and it nearly cost the team in a pretty clear penalty not given. He’ll be a better substitute in central defense for future reference, but even then he needs to get better. Then again, it wasn’t his fault Löw sent Beck to the stands.

Löw – 6.5 : Lucky. Löw fielded a good starting eleven in a good 4-4-1-1 tactical setup. On the flip-side, he chose to retain the lately mediocre Cacau and ever so Hitzlsperger while sending his two most potent offensive weapons of Beck and Marin to the stands. His first mistake led to his second. Boateng could not be substituted off at the half because Friedrich was not in shape as a right back. This showed as Löw hesitated to bring Friedrich on even after Boateng got sent off. Perhaps at that moment he fully realized he had shot himself in the foot by not retaining Beck. Unfortunately, it hasn’t dawned on Löw that he needs a real defensive midfielder. Rolfes was credible this time, but Hummels or even Westermann are better long term options. I honestly hope we lose to Finland so he finally sees that too- and does something about it.

With his 48TH national team goal Miroslav Klose (in 96 appearances) has not only secured Germany’s ticket to South Africa, but has also climbed to 3RD in the all time German goal table behind Gerd Müller (68) and Joachim Streich (52). Klose celebrated his 1-0 goal by somersaulting in the air and landing awkwardly – undoubtedly because of lack of practice at Bayern.

Germany has never lost a World Cup Qualifier away from home.
Germany has always qualified for every World Cup it has entered.
Germany’s biggest margin of victory ever was 16-0 against Russia in 1912.

Finally, a hard fought qualification campaign has always been a good omen for Germany – often foreshadowing the arrival of a great player.

1970 – Germany 3-2 Scotland – Gerd Müller
1990 – Germany 2-1 Wales – Thomas Häßler
2002 – Germany 4-1 Ukraine – Michael Ballack

The nominations…

Tor: Rene Adler (Bayer Leverkusen), Manuel Neuer (FC Schalke 04), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen)

Abwehr: Andreas Beck (1899 Hoffenheim), Jerome Boateng (Hamburger SV), Arne Friedrich (Hertha BSC), Philipp Lahm (FC Bayern München), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Marcel Schäfer (VfL Wolfsburg), Serdar Tasci (VfB Stuttgart), Heiko Westermann (FC Schalke 04)

Mittelfeld: Michael Ballack (FC Chelsea), Christian Gentner (VfL Wolfsburg), Thomas Hitzlsperger (VfB Stuttgart), Sami Khedira (VfB Stuttgart), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen), Mesut Özil (Werder Bremen), Simon Rolfes (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (FC Bayern München), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburger SV)

Angriff: Cacau (VfB Stuttgart), Mario Gomez (FC Bayern München), Miroslav Klose (FC Bayern München), Lukas Podolski (1. FC Köln)

Wins against South Africa and Azerbaijan were expected this past international week. What wasn’t were the positive signals that Germany is gaining momentum ahead of the World Cup. Still there are persisting questions regarding the Nationalmannschaft ahead of the crucial game in Moscow against Russia. For now let’s explore the winners and losers of this past week.

Joachim Löw : Vindicated. Löw has taken quite a bit of criticism lately from the media about his selection methods and tactical abilities. He responded by starting a surprisingly refreshing lineup in a hybrid 4-5-1/4-3-3 system against South Africa. He followed up with some influential substitutions against (ranked 139TH and later down to 10-men) Azerbaijan, which arguably turned the game around. The verdict on his abilities as Bundestrainer is still out there, but Germany has finally returned to playing the football necessary to compete on the world stage.

Mesut Özil : Superstar. The game against South Africa was probably the only chance Özil had to make his case and shine for 2010. At such a young age it’s extremely difficult to perform on demand – just ask Sebastian Deisler. Özil has thus far thrived on the pressure and has seized the opportunity well. In fact, he might have already secured himself a permanent starting position on the German team for the World Cup. Özil crafted a man-of-the-match performance against South Africa and followed it up with a quieter effective game against Azerbaijan. The future is bright for this Gelsenkirchener and the plaudits are already flowing in from far and wide. Michael Ballack even predicts Özil as his successor one day. Germany has been sorely lacking a player like Özil and it is a relief that he has finally arrived in style.

Michael Ballack : Still Capitano. Say what you will about Ballack, but he remains the undisputed leader of the German team. Özil lauded Ballack for commanding him on the field, and indeed it was Ballack who worked with Löw to craft the new midfield system. Although contemplating retirement after the World Cup, Ballack’s experience and guidance are instrumental for Germany’s success through 2010.

René Adler : Ready. Adler was not really troubled against South Africa and was again not really tested against Azerbaijan. Nonetheless, his split second reactions to the few dangerous situations in both games may well have saved Germany’s blushes. With Robert Enke now sick at the worst time Adler looks to be on against Russia come October.

Phillip Lahm : Don’t Know What’s Good For Him. It’s plain to see that since moving to the right side of defense Lahm has been less spectacular going forward. Löw must be congratulated for forcing Lahm back into the left against Azerbaijan as it instantly paid dividends resulting in a goal.

Miroslav Klose : Level With Klinsmann. He might have been sitting on the bench at Bayern. He might have been goalless for the season. Yet the fact remains, Klose is the most clinical striker we currently have. Even though he is still not 100% fit, he has through his brace against Azerbaijan shown that his class is permanent. He is now level with his former trainers Jürgen Klinsmann and Rudi Völler in the all-time German international scoring list. Klose continues to show up when called upon and Löw has made the right decision by sticking with him.

Heiko Westermann : Please No. Westermann for better or worse looks to be present in central defense for the game in Moscow. He was (for once) solid in defense (against Azerbaijan only). With Arne Friedrich perennially injured and Sedar Tasci always making the occasional slip-up Westermann looks to be the better choice – at least until Jérôme Boateng can be integrated. Westermann better put up a good performance against Russia or the blame for missing the automatic qualification will likely rest on his shoulders. Let’s not forget that it was his abject defending against Finland that Germany is still not qualified.

Andreas Beck : Replacing Lahm. Beck has no doubt benefited from the relatively poor form of Marcel Schäfer at LB. This means Lahm will take the left while Beck will start against Russia on the right.

Marcel Schäfer : Does He Play Better On The Right? Schäfer has not lived up to his billing as the future Phillip Lahm. After two games starting on the left he has contributed very little going forward and looked ineffective in defense. Lahm had to displace him against Azerbaijan and the difference told. He might even be behind Marcell Jansen at this point.

Bastian Schweinsteiger : Lost. Schweini has been out of shape lately for the national team. Poor positioning, misplaced passes, and slow reaction has plagued the young veteran. Löw’s erroneous indecision about whether Schweini is a winger or a defensive midfielder is not helping his current form. (He is neither.) Nonetheless, who else is going to pummel Portugal should the need arise? Best wishes to a speedy recovery.

Mario Gomez : Definitely Not Inzaghi. Gomez has had a brief spell of luck lately. He has scored in all of his recent games despite all being sitters. Unfortunately, sitters don’t happen too often and he doesn’t score enough of those either to erase the disappointed expression on his face he has had since 2008. He wasn’t bad versus Azerbaijan and Germany do not have a better target man, but he is second to Klose if not third to Poldi. Indeed, Gomez must have felt mighty mixed up after Klose was so clinical – as it might also mean bench time for Mario at Bayern.

Berti Vogts : For Old Times. Azerbaijan are now at the bottom of the Group 4 qualification table below Liechtenstein. One can argue that Vogts hasn’t had enough time with the Azerbaijani players, that he only has 200 players to choose from, and that his team have been unlucky to not have scored more than their one and only goal against Finland. Maybe Vogts just isn’t such a great coach? He was fired by both Scotland and Nigeria. Furthermore, it was under him that the current German football crisis developed. With all the great German players at his disposal he only managed one title, but at least three embarrassingly clueless loses. Perhaps, he can redeem himself by springing a surprise on Russia when they meet in Baku.

Russia : Winning But Not 100% Either. The way Russia has been playing recently leaves plenty to be desired. Two mediocre performances against Liechtenstein and a sigh of relief against a young Wales does not make a threatening impression. Nonetheless, Russia has many advantages going into the October blockbuster. They have a wealth of gifted players, arguably the best modern football coach, home support, and familiarity with Fieldturf. Indeed, Russia looks formidable in Moscow, but the pressure is clearly on them. If Russia do not win against Germany, then for all intents and purposes Germany is qualified outright or on goal difference. Should Germany go ahead in Moscow and do not fall asleep Russia will be frantic in front of their fans.

Germany can relax a bit more and can even afford a draw, but there is still much to do at home before the game on October 10TH.

Friendly Highlights

Qualification Highlights

Years ending in nine mark big anniversaries in German history. Accordingly, 2009 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the Federal Republic and also twenty years from the glorious blunder that resulted in the fall of the Berlin Wall. Celebrating alongside Germany’s triumphs is Adidas – a company that has become synonymous with German international football success.

The firm, incorporated by Adi Dassler in 1949, first launched into the international limelight in 1954 with their revolutionary modular studs. Legend has it that this German innovation alongside with “good” weather helped Germany to it’s most important sports victory of all time: the 3-2 against Hungary in the final of the 1954 World Cup.

Many things have changed since then, but the special relationship between the DFB and Adidas remains. Indeed, it’s so special that the DFB turned down a gigantic offer from Nike in 2007. This loyalty has over the years been rewarded with some slick looking strips and such is the case with the new Germany jersey unveiled in Cologne this week for the World Cup 2010 campaign season. Sleek, conservative, and of course very German. Perhaps most notable in contrast to the standard black-white triple-stripes design is the black DFB crest. It has only been used once – in 1996 for the European Championships. Perhaps it will bring back some good weather and a trophy?

Germany hosts South Africa in Leverkusen for an international friendly on September 5TH before welcoming Azerbaijan for a World Cup qualifier in Hannover on September 8TH. In the meantime there have been rumblings from Michael Ballack about a need for improvement by the nation team in order to seal automatic qualification and to seriously contend at the World Cup.

Yet, ever the optimist, Jogi Löw is of the opinion that Germany will naturally play better in the upcoming matches as the team will be together for 10 consecutive training days (alongside the U-21) and thus bound to show an improvement over the past few drab performances. Here is Löw’s predictable lineup.

Tor: Robert Enke (Hannover 96), Rene Adler (Bayer Leverkusen), Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04)

Abwehr: Arne Friedrich (Hertha BSC Berlin), Philipp Lahm (Bayern München), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Marcel Schäfer (VfL Wolfsburg), Serdar Tasci (VfB Stuttgart), Heiko Westermann (Schalke 04), Andreas Beck (1899 Hoffenheim)

Mittelfeld: Michael Ballack (FC Chelsea), Christian Gentner (VfL Wolfsburg), Thomas Hitzlsperger (VfB Stuttgart), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen), Sami Khedira (VfB Stuttgart), Mesut Özil (Werder Bremen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern München), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburger SV), Simon Rolfes (Bayer Leverkusen)

Angriff: Cacau (VfB Stuttgart), Mario Gomez (Bayern München), Miroslav Klose (Bayern München), Lukas Podolski (1. FC Köln)

The notable exceptions in this selection are Marko Marin and Mesut Özil who have recently been on fire at Werder Bremen. Expect the two to combine to play 20 discombobulated minutes off from the substitute bench, whilst Heiko Westermann plays 90 minutes of poor passes and costly blunders in defense.

Löw’s inexplicable decision to keep nominating Westermann pairs well with his curious omission of Stefan Kießling – who has at the start of this Bundesliga season scored 4 goals in 4 matches. Perhaps his omission has something to do with the form of the ever-lucky at club-level only Mario Gomez, the now bench-warming Miro Klose, the recently uninspiring Lukas Podolski, and the even-less prolific Cacau.

In the goalkeeping department Tim Wiese is left out as he pleased. Manuel Neuer has been selected instead to warm the bench. Nonetheless, should Germany win automatic qualification each of the four keepers will get 90 minutes to prove themselves in the November fixtures before Löw plays it safe and selects Robert Enke for 2010.

Germany certainly has the players to be successful in this period of transition, but does Löw have the ability to make tough decisions? If Russia overcomes Wales and defeats Liechtenstein, then the question will soon be answered in Moscow.