With four titles, Germany are tied with Italy as the second-most successful team in the FIFA World Cup behind Brazil. Their most recent triumph came on Brazilian soil in 2014, where a team of modern greats such as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Phillip Lahm, Manuel Neuer, Miroslav Klose, and co. beat Argentina 1-0 in the final to become world champions. A hugely disappointing tournament followed when, under Joachim Low, Germany were knocked out of the group stages due to a defeat to South Korea on the final day. Let's analyze Germany's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Germany’s Squad for Qatar World Cup 2022
Germany are always a dangerous side when it comes to the World Cup. The DFB-Team is not considered a heavy favourite to win the competition's 22nd edition in Qatar. This time aiming for number five. But do they have the players to do that?
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Goalkeeper
Manuel Neuer, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kevin Trapp
The German goalkeeping situation has been constant for over a decade now, with Manuel Neuer expected to start in between the sticks once again at his fourth consecutive world cup. The revolutionary sweeper keeper is no longer at his peak, but he's still good enough to lead the nets for Bayern Munich.
Defence
Armel Bella Kotchap, Mathias Ginter, Christian Gunther, Thilo Kehrer, Lukas Klostermann, David Raum, Antonio Rudiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Niklas Sule
Germany have usually deployed a back four, with Niklas Sule partnered with clubmate Nico Schlotterbeck or Antonio Rudiger in recent matches. Mathias Ginter and Armel Bella Kotchap will be the fourth and fifth choices, respectively.
The left-back slot will most likely be occupied by David Raum, with Christian Gunther expected to be his backup. The right back position will be contested by Lukas Klostermann and Thilo Kehrer.
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Midfield
Leon Goretzka, Mario Gotze, Julian Brandt, Ilkay Gundogan, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Thomas Muller, Jonas Hoffman
The base of the German midfield will be Joshua Kimmich and club teammate Leon Goretzka. It is the position ahead of them that will be tightly contested. Jamal Musiala could also be deployed with one of them if the opposition is weaker than Germany. Mathias Ginter might be deployed if Germany want a more defense minded midfield.
In the hole behind the striker, both Gotze and Muller could play there, but Muller is the more preferred option. Jamal Musiala is also versatile enough to be played here without any trouble. Ilkay Gundogan's most likely position is here or just below as a mezzala.
Julian Brandt and Jonas Hoffman are more attack-minded players who can also play on the wings. They are unlikely to start, rather a good option off the bench against a tired opposition.
Attack
Karim Adeyemi, Niclas Fullkrug, Serge Gnabry, Kai Havertz, Youssoufa Moukoko, Leroy Sane
Kai Havertz is expected to lead the line as a false nine or a deep lying forward due to Timo Werner's injury. Niclas Fullkrug is much more of a traditional forward, but he is unlikely to start.
Karim Adeyemi could also be an option to consider upfront, as could be 17-year-old Youssoufa Moukoko, but both are unlikely, Moukoko more so than Adeyemi.
On the wings, Jonas Hoffman, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, and Julian Brandt will be the options. Gnabry and Sane will be the first-choice starters, with Hoffman and Brandt behind them. Musiala or Adeyemi could also be deployed on the wings if needed.
Verdict
Under Hansi Flick, Germany are expected to play high-tempo, high-pressing football. Their recent results have not been spectacular, but they have not been bad either. In a group featuring the likes of Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica, Germany should easily finish in the top two, or at least they are expected to given their squad strength.
Although a fifth-place finish appears unlikely this time, Die Mannschaft will undoubtedly be entertaining to watch at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.