The German national football team is one of the most reputed teams in the world, with a history decorated with several accomplishments. However it has been 17 years since they last won a major trophy.
It has won three FIFA World cups and the same number of European Championships. These numbers could have been a lot greater had the Germans converted their three and four runners-up positions in European Championships and the FIFA World cup, respectively.

Nearly each time a new competition is starting, the Germans start as favourites for millions of football fans across the globe. Pre-tournament polls also suggest the over-whelming support they have when it comes to big competitions. However, the last time Germany lifted a major trophy was back in 1996 European Championship, with the last World cup win coming in 1990.

Although often being labelled as favourites, Germany’s inability to lift major trophies repeatedly might be very frustrating for its fans and well-wishers. With coach Joachim Low, Germany is aiming to end this deadlock and repay the faith that has been established in it for such a long time. And the intentions seem clear with the kind of squad that the coach has assembled, comprising of several emerging talents that are being sought after by various clubs in the world.

To lead the youthful exuberance in the German outfit is the veteran Philip Lahm who has an arsenal of experience in his closet. The world number 2 side also boasts another veteran in the form of Miroslav Klose, whose impact upfront has lead Germany to victory on several occasions.

The 20 year-old Mario Gotze is a valuable asset for his club Borussia Dortmund, and he will look to replicate his class and performance when playing in national colours. He already knows what it’s like to win a trophy for Germany as he was part of the Under-17 UEFA European Championship winning side back in 2009. His team-mate from Borrussia Dortmund is the midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who made his debut for Germany in October 2011 against a Euro 2012 qualifier against Belgium.

Bayern Leverkusen winger Andre Schurrle announced his arrival for Germany by scoring after coming on as a substitute against Azerbaijan. He repeated the feat against Austria and when he got his first start against Belgium, he scored yet again. His team-mate Julian Draxler will be looking to create a similar kind of impact and help his nation to achieve great things at the tender age of 19.

Another midfielder who has an eye for scoring goals is Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos, who scored as many as 17 goals for the Germany Under-17 side from 2005 to 2007.

Apart from these attractive prospects, Germany also boasts the Bender twins in midfield who can both be a handful on their respective days.

When Germany meet Kazakhstan later tonight, Low’s men will be looking to put in a dominant performance that would display their desire to win it all the way for Germany this time around.