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Germany national football team

Germany national football team

The Germany national football team (German: Deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft or Die Mannschaft) is the men's football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908.[8] It is governed by the German Football Association (Deutscher Fußball-Bund), founded in 1900.[11][12] Ever since the DFB was reinaugurated in 1949 the team has represented the Federal Republic of Germany. Under Allied occupation and division, two other separate national teams were also recognised by FIFA: the Saarland team representing the Saarland (1950–1956) and the East German team representing the German Democratic Republic (1952–1990). Both have been absorbed along with their records[13][14] by the current national team. The official name and code "Germany FR (FRG)" was shortened to "Germany (GER)" following the reunification in 1990.

Germany is one of the most successful national teams in international competitions, having won four World Cups (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014), three European Championships (1972, 1980, 1996), and one Confederations Cup (2017).[11] They have also been runners-up three times in the European Championships, four times in the World Cup, and a further four third-place finishes at World Cups.[11] East Germany won Olympic Gold in 1976.[15]

Germany is the only nation to have won both the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women's World Cup.[16][17]

At the end of the 2014 World Cup, Germany earned the highest Elo rating of any national football team in history, with a record 2,205 points.[18] Germany is also the only European nation that has won a FIFA World Cup in the Americas. The manager of the national team is Joachim Löw.

Germany
Nickname(s)Nationalelf (national eleven)
DFB-Elf (DFB Eleven)
Die Mannschaft (The Team)[1]
AssociationDeutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB)
ConfederationUEFA (Europe)
Head coachJoachim Löw
CaptainManuel Neuer
Most capsLothar Matthäus (150)
Top scorerMiroslav Klose (71)
FIFA codeGER
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current16Decrease1 (19 September 2019)[5]
Highest1[6] (December 1992 – August 1993, December 1993 – March 1994, June 1994, July 2014 – June 2015, July 2017, September 2017 – June 2018)
Lowest22[6] (March 2006)
Elo ranking
Current9Decrease4 (13 September 2019)[7]
Highest1 (1990–92, 1993–94, 1996–97, July 2014 – May 2016, October 2017 – November 2017)
Lowest24 (September 1924 – October 1925)
First international
Switzerland5–3 Germany
(Basel, Switzerland; 5 April 1908)[8]
Biggest win
Germany16–0 Russian Empire
(Stockholm, Sweden; 1 July 1912)[9]
Biggest defeat
England Amateurs 9–0 Germany
(Oxford, United Kingdom; 13 March 1909)[10][2]
World Cup
Appearances19 (first in 1934)
Best resultChampions (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014)
European Championship
Appearances12 (first in 1972)
Best resultChampions (1972, 1980, 1996)
Confederations Cup
Appearances3 (first in 1999)
Best resultChampions (2017)
Medal record
Olympic Games
Bronze medal – third place1988 SeoulTeam
Silver medal – second place2016 Rio de JaneiroTeam

History

Early years (1899–1942)

Gottfried Fuchs

Gottfried Fuchs

Between 1899 and 1901, prior to the formation of a national team, there were five unofficial international matches between German and English selection teams, which all ended as large defeats for the German teams. Eight years after the establishment of the German Football Association (DFB), the first official match of the Germany national football team[19] was played on 5 April 1908, against Switzerland in Basel, with the Swiss winning 5–3.[8]

Gottfried Fuchs scored a world record 10 goals for Germany in a 16–0 win against Russia at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm on 1 July, becoming the top scorer of the tournament; his international record was not surpassed until 2001 when Australia's Archie Thompson scored 13 goals in a 31–0 defeat of American Samoa.[20] He was Jewish, and the German Football Association erased all references to him from their records between 1933 and 1945.[21][22] As of 2016, he was still the top German scorer for one match.[23]

The first match after World War I in 1920, the first match after World War II in 1950 when Germany was still banned from most international competitions, and the first match in 1990 with former East German players were all against Switzerland as well. Germany's first championship title was even won in Switzerland in 1954.

At that time the players were selected by the DFB, as there was no dedicated coach. The first manager of the Germany national team was Otto Nerz, a school teacher from Mannheim, who served in the role from 1926 to 1936.[24] The German FA could not afford travel to Uruguay for the first World Cup staged in 1930 during the Great Depression, but finished third in the 1934 World Cup in their first appearance in the competition. After a poor showing at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Sepp Herberger became coach. In 1937 he put together a squad which was soon nicknamed the Breslau Elf (the Breslau Eleven) in recognition of their 8–0 win over Denmark in the then German city of Breslau, Lower Silesia (now Wrocław, Poland).[25][26]

After Austria became part of Germany in the Anschluss of March 1938, that country's national team – one of Europe's best sides at the time due to professionalism – was disbanded despite having already qualified for the 1938 World Cup. Nazi politicians ordered five or six ex-Austrian players, from the clubs Rapid Vienna, Austria Vienna, and First Vienna FC, to join the all-German team on short notice in a staged show of unity for political reasons. In the 1938 World Cup that began on 4 June, this "united" German team managed only a 1–1 draw against Switzerland and then lost the replay 2–4 in front of a hostile crowd in Paris, France. That early exit stands as Germany's worst World Cup result, and one of just two occasions the team failed to progress the group stage (the next would not occur until the 2018 tournament).

During World War II, the team played over 30 international games between September 1939 and November 1942. National team games were then suspended, as most players had to join the armed forces. Many of the national team players were gathered together under coach Herberger as Rote Jäger through the efforts of a sympathetic air force officer trying to protect the footballers from the most dangerous wartime service.

Three German national teams (1945–1990)

After World War II, Germany was banned from competition in most sports until 1950. The DFB was not a full member of FIFA, and none of the three new German states — West Germany, East Germany, and Saarland — entered the 1950 World Cup qualifiers.

The Federal Republic of Germany, which was referred to as West Germany, continued the DFB. With recognition by FIFA and UEFA, the DFB maintained and continued the record of the pre-war team. Switzerland was once again the first team that played West Germany in 1950.[27] West Germany qualified for the 1954 World Cup.

The Saarland, under French control between 1947 and 1956, did not join French organisations, and was barred from participating in pan-German ones. It sent their own team to the 1952 Summer Olympics and to the 1954 World Cup qualifiers. In 1957, Saarland acceded to the Federal Republic of Germany.

In 1949, the communist German Democratic Republic (East Germany) was founded. In 1952 the Deutscher Fußball-Verband der DDR (DFV) was established and the East Germany national football team took to the field. They were the only team to beat the 1974 FIFA World Cup winning West Germans in the only meeting of the two sides of the divided nation. East Germany won the gold medal at the 1976 Olympics. After German reunification in 1990, the eastern football competition was reintegrated into the DFB.

1954 World Cup victory

Helmut Rahn scored the winning goal in the 1954 FIFA World Cup final.

Helmut Rahn scored the winning goal in the 1954 FIFA World Cup final.

West Germany, captained by Fritz Walter, met in the 1954 World Cup against Turkey, Yugoslavia and Austria. When playing favourites Hungary in the group stage, Germany lost 3–8. West Germany met the Hungarian "Mighty Magyars" again in the final. Hungary had gone unbeaten for 32 consecutive matches. In an upset, West Germany won 3–2, with Helmut Rahn scoring the winning goal.[28] The success is called "The Miracle of Bern" (Das Wunder von Bern).[29]

Memorable losses: Wembley goal and game of the century (1958–1970)

After finishing fourth in the 1958 World Cup and reaching only the quarter-finals in the 1962 World Cup, the DFB made changes. Professionalism was introduced, and the best clubs from the various Regionalligas were assembled into the new Bundesliga. In 1964, Helmut Schön took over as coach, replacing Herberger who had been in office for 28 years.

In the 1966 World Cup, West Germany reached the final after beating the USSR in the semifinal, facing hosts England. In extra time, the first goal by Geoff Hurst was one of the most contentious goals in the history of the World Cup: the linesman signalled the ball had crossed the line for a goal, after bouncing down from the crossbar, when replays showed it did not appear to have fully crossed the line. Hurst then scored another goal giving England a 4–2 win.[30][31]

West Germany in the 1970 World Cup knocked England out in the quarter-finals 3–2, before they suffered a 4–3 extra-time loss in the semi-final against Italy. This match with five goals in extra time is one of the most dramatic in World Cup history, and is called the "Game of the Century" in both Italy and Germany.[32][33] West Germany claimed third by beating Uruguay 1–0. Gerd Müller finished as the tournament's top scorer with 10 goals.

1974 World Cup title on home soil

1974 FIFA World Cup Final on 7 July 1974, in Munich (Olympiastadion)

1974 FIFA World Cup Final on 7 July 1974, in Munich (Olympiastadion)

In 1971, Franz Beckenbauer became captain of the national team, and he led West Germany to victory at the European Championship at Euro 1972, defeating the Soviet Union 3–0 in the final.[34][35]

As hosts of the 1974 World Cup, they won their second World Cup, defeating the Netherlands 2–1 in the final in Munich.[36] Two matches in the 1974 World Cup stood out for West Germany. The first group stage saw a politically charged match as West Germany played a game against East Germany. The East Germans won 1–0.[37] The West Germans advanced to the final against the Johan Cruijff-led Dutch team and their brand of "Total Football". The Dutch took the lead from a penalty. However, West Germany tied the match on a penalty by Paul Breitner, and won it with Gerd Müller's fine finish soon after.[38][39]

Late 1970s and early 1980s

Gerd Müller in 2006

Gerd Müller in 2006

West Germany failed to defend their titles in the next two major international tournaments. They lost to Czechoslovakia in the final of Euro 1976 in a penalty shootout 5–3.[40] Since that loss, Germany has not lost a penalty shootout in major international tournaments.[41]

In the 1978 World Cup, Germany was eliminated in the second group stage after losing 3–2 to Austria. Schön retired as coach afterward, and the post was taken over by his assistant, Jupp Derwall.

West Germany's first tournament under Derwall was successful, as they earned their second European title at Euro 1980 after defeating Belgium 2–1 in the final.[42] West Germany reached the final of the 1982 World Cup, though not without difficulties. They were upset 1–2 by Algeria in their first match,[43] but advanced to the second round with a controversial 1–0 win over Austria. In the semifinal against France, they tied the match 3–3 and won the penalty shootout 5–4.[44][45] In the final, they were defeated by Italy 1–3.[46]

During this period, West Germany's Gerd Müller racked up fourteen goals in two World Cups (1970 and 1974). His ten goals in 1970 are the third-most ever in a tournament. (Müller's all-time World Cup record of 14 goals was broken by Ronaldo in 2006; this was then further broken by Miroslav Klose in 2014 with 16 goals).[47]

Beckenbauer's coaching success (1984–1990)

Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer

After West Germany were eliminated in the first round of Euro 1984, Franz Beckenbauer returned to the national team to replace Derwall as coach.[48] At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, West Germany finished as runners-up for the second consecutive tournament after beating France 2–0 in the semi-finals, but losing to the Diego Maradona-led Argentina in the final, 2–3.[49][50] In Euro 1988, West Germany's hopes of winning the tournament on home soil were spoiled by the Netherlands, as the Dutch beat them 2–1 in the semifinals.[51]

At the 1990 World Cup in Italy, West Germany won their third World Cup title, in its unprecedented third consecutive final appearance.[52] Captained by Lothar Matthäus, they defeated Yugoslavia (4–1), UAE (5–1), the Netherlands (2–1), Czechoslovakia (1–0), and England (1–1, 4–3 on penalty kicks) on the way to a final rematch against Argentina, played in the Italian capital of Rome.[53][54] West Germany won 1–0, with the only goal being a penalty scored in the 85th minute by Andreas Brehme.[52] Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup as the national team's captain in 1974, thus became the first person to win the World Cup as both captain and coach.[48]

Olympic football

Prior to 1984, Olympic football was an amateur event, meaning that only non-professional players could participate. Due to this, West Germany was never able to achieve the same degree of success at the Olympics as at the World Cup, with the first medal coming in the 1988 Olympics, when they won the bronze medal. It took Germany 28 years to participate at the Olympics again in 2016, this time reaching the final and winning a silver medal. West Germany also reached the second round in both 1972 and 1984. On the other hand, East Germany did far better, winning a gold, a silver and two bronze medals (one representing the United Team of Germany).

Berti Vogts years (1990–1998)

Berti Vogts

Berti Vogts

In February 1990, months after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the draw for the 1992 European Championship qualifying tournament saw East Germany and West Germany drawn together. After West Germany's 1990 World Cup win, assistant Berti Vogts took over as the national team coach from the retiring Beckenbauer. The members of the East German association Deutscher Fußball-Verband acceded to the DFB in November, while the 1990–91 seasons would continue, with the restructuring of leagues scheduled for 1991–92. The first game with a unified German team was against Sweden on 10 October.[55]

In Euro 1992, Germany reached the final, but lost 0–2 to underdogs Denmark.[56] In the 1994 World Cup, they were upset 1–2 in the quarterfinals by Bulgaria.[57][58]

Reunified Germany won its first major international title at Euro 1996, becoming European champions for the third time.[59] They defeated hosts England in the semifinals,[60] and the Czech Republic 2–1 in the final on a golden goal in extra time.[61]

However, in the 1998 World Cup, Germany were eliminated in the quarterfinals in a 0–3 defeat to Croatia, all goals being scored after defender Christian Wörns received a straight red card.[62] Vogts stepped down afterwards and was replaced by Erich Ribbeck.[63]

Oliver Kahn and Michael Ballack era (2000–2006)

Fans watching Germany battle Argentina in the 2006 World Cup match at the Donau Arena in Regensburg

Fans watching Germany battle Argentina in the 2006 World Cup match at the Donau Arena in Regensburg

In Euro 2000, the team went out in the first round, drawing with Romania, then suffering a 1–0 defeat to England and were routed 3–0 by Portugal (which fielded their backup players, having already advanced).[64] Ribbeck resigned, and was replaced by Rudi Völler.[65]

Coming into the 2002 World Cup, expectations of the German team were low due to poor results in the qualifiers and not directly qualifying for the finals for the first time. The team advanced through group play, and in the knockout stages they produced three consecutive 1–0 wins against Paraguay,[66] the United States,[67] and co-hosts South Korea. Oliver Neuville scored two minutes from time against Paraguay and Michael Ballack scored both goals in the US and South Korea games, although he picked up a second yellow card against South Korea for a tactical foul and was suspended for the subsequent match.[68] This set up a final against Brazil, the first World Cup meeting between the two. Germany lost 0–2 thanks to two Ronaldo goals.[69] Nevertheless, German captain and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn won the Golden Ball,[70] the first time in the World Cup that a goalkeeper was named the best player of the tournament.[71]

Germany again exited in the first round of Euro 2004, drawing their first two matches and losing the third to the Czech Republic (who had fielded a second-string team).[72] Völler resigned afterwards, and Jürgen Klinsmann was appointed head coach.[73][74]

Klinsmann's main task was to lead the national team to a good showing at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Klinsmann relieved goalkeeper Kahn of the captaincy and announced that Kahn and longtime backup Jens Lehmann would be competing for the position of starting goaltender, a decision that angered Kahn and Lehmann eventually won that contest.[75] Expectations for the team were low, which was not helped by veteran defender Christian Wörns being dropped (after Wörns criticised Klinsmann for designating him only as a backup player on the squad), a choice roundly panned in Germany. Italy routed Germany 4–1 in a March exhibition game, and Klinsmann bore the brunt of the criticism as the team was ranked only 22nd in the world entering the 2006 FIFA World Cup.[76]

As World Cup hosts, Germany won all three group-stage matches to finish top of their group. The team defeated Sweden 2–0 in the round of 16.[77] Germany faced Argentina in the quarter-finals. The match ended 1–1, and Germany won the penalty shootout 4–2.[78] In the semi-final against Italy, the match was scoreless until near the end of extra time when Germany conceded two goals.[79] In the third place match, Germany defeated Portugal 3–1.[80] Miroslav Klose was awarded the Golden Boot for his tournament-leading five goals.[81]

New orientation under Löw (2006–present)

Germany during Euro 2012 qualifiers

Germany during Euro 2012 qualifiers

Germany's entry into the Euro 2008 qualifying round was marked by the promotion of Joachim Löw to head coach, since Klinsmann resigned.[82] At UEFA Euro 2008, Germany won two out of three matches in group play to advance to the knockout round.[83] They defeated Portugal 3–2 in the quarterfinal,[84] and won their semifinal against Turkey.[85] Germany lost the final against Spain 0–1, finishing as the runners-up.[86]

In the 2010 World Cup, Germany won the group and advanced to the knockout stage. In the round of 16, Germany defeated England 4–1.[87] The game controversially had a valid goal by Frank Lampard disallowed.[88][89][90] In the quarterfinals, Germany defeated Argentina 4–0,[91] and Miroslav Klose tied German Gerd Müller's record of 14 World Cup goals.[92] In the semi-final, Germany lost 1–0 to Spain.[93] Germany defeated Uruguay 3–2 to take third place (their second third place after 2006).[94] German Thomas Müller won the Golden Boot and the Best Young Player Award.[95][96]

In Euro 2012, Germany was placed in group B along with Portugal, Netherlands, and Denmark. Germany won all three group matches. Germany defeated Greece in the quarter-final and set a record of 15 consecutive wins in all competitive matches.[97] In the semi-finals, Germany lost to Italy, 1–2.

2014 World Cup victory

Germany lifting the World Cup trophy in 2014

Germany lifting the World Cup trophy in 2014

Germany posing with Champions banner after 2014 FIFA World Cup Final

Germany posing with Champions banner after 2014 FIFA World Cup Final

Germany finished first in their qualification group for the 2014 World Cup. The draw for the 2014 World Cup finals placed Germany in Group G,[98] with Portugal, Ghana, and United States. They first faced Portugal in a match billed by some as the "team of all the talents against the team of The Talent (Cristiano Ronaldo)", routing the Portuguese 4–0 thanks to a hat-trick by Thomas Müller.[99][100] In their match with Ghana, they led the game with Götze's second half goal, but then conceded two consecutive goals, then at the 71st minute Klose scored a goal to help Germany to draw 2–2 with Ghana. With that goal, Klose also nudged home his 15th World Cup goal to join former Brazil striker Ronaldo at the pinnacle of World Cup Finals scorers. They then went on to defeat the United States team 1–0, securing them a spot in the round of sixteen against Algeria.

The round of sixteen knockout match against Algeria remained goalless after regulation time, resulting in extra time. In the 92nd minute, André Schürrle scored a goal from a Thomas Müller pass. Mesut Özil scored Germany's second goal in the 120th minute. Algeria managed to score one goal in injury time and the match ended 2–1. Germany secured a place in the quarter-final, where they would face France.

In the quarter-final match against France, Mats Hummels scored in the 13th minute. Germany won the game 1–0 to advance to a record fourth consecutive semi-finals.[101]

The semi-final win (7–1) against Brazil was a major accomplishment. Germany scored four goals in just less than seven minutes and were 5–0 up against Brazil by the 30th minute with goals from Thomas Müller, Miroslav Klose, Sami Khedira and two from Toni Kroos. Klose's goal in the 23rd minute, his 16th World Cup goal, gave him sole possession of the record for most goals scored during World Cup Finals, dethroning former Brazilian national Ronaldo.

In the second half of the game, substitute André Schürrle scored twice for Germany to lead 7–0, the highest score against Brazil in a single game. Germany did, however, concede a late goal to Brazil's Oscar. It was Brazil's worst ever World Cup defeat,[102] whilst Germany broke multiple World Cup records with the win, including the record broken by Klose, the first team to reach four consecutive World Cup semi-finals, the first team to score seven goals in a World Cup Finals knockout phase game, the fastest five consecutive goals in World Cup history (four of which in just 400 seconds), the first team to score five goals in the first half in a World Cup semi-final as well as being the topic of the most tweets ever on Twitter about a certain subject when the previous social media record was smashed after Germany scored their fourth goal. Also, Germany's seven goals took their total tally in World Cup history to 223, surpassing Brazil's 221 goals to first place overall.[103]

The World Cup Final was held at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on 13 July, and billed as the world's best player (Lionel Messi) versus the world's best team (Germany).[104][105] Mario Götze's 113th-minute goal helped Germany beat Argentina 1–0, becoming the first-ever European team to win a FIFA World Cup in the Americas and the second European team to win the title outside Europe.[106][107]

Euro 2016 to 2017 Confederations Cup

After several players retired from the team following the 2014 World Cup win, including Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker and Miroslav Klose, the team had a disappointing start in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers. They defeated Scotland 2–1 at home, then suffered a 2–0 loss at Poland (the first in their history), a 1–1 draw against the Republic of Ireland, and a 4–0 win over Gibraltar. The year ended with an away 0–1 friendly win against Spain, the reigning European champions of 2008 and 2012.

Troubles during qualifying for the 2016 European Championship continued, drawing at home, as well as losing away, to Ireland; the team also only narrowly defeated Scotland on two occasions, but handily won the return against Poland and both games against Gibraltar (who competed for the first time). Eventually, however, topping their group and qualifying for the tournament through a 2–1 victory against Georgia on 11 October 2015 (having won the first match against them).

On 13 November 2015, the team was playing a friendly match against France in Paris when a series of terrorist attacks took place in the city, some in the direct vicinity of the Stade de France, where the game was held.[108] For security reasons, the team needed to spend the night inside the stadium, accompanied by the French squad who stayed behind in an act of comradery.[109] Four days later, on 17 November 2015, the German team was scheduled to face the Netherlands at Hanover's HDI-Arena, also in a friendly. After initial security reservations, the DFB decided to play the match on 15 November.[110] However, after reports about a concrete threat to the stadium, the match was cancelled ninety minutes before kickoff.[111]

Germany began their preparations for Euro 2016 in March with friendlies against England and Italy. They gave up a 2–0 lead to England, and ended up losing 2–3. They bounced back in their match with Italy, however, winning by a score of 4–1. It was their first win against the Italians in 21 years.[112]

Germany began their campaign for a fourth European title with a 2–0 win against Ukraine on 12 June. Against Poland, Germany was held to a 0–0 draw but concluded Group C with a 1–0 win against Northern Ireland. In the Round of 16, Germany faced Slovakia and earned a comfortable 3–0 win. Germany then faced off against rivals Italy in the quarter-finals. Mesut Özil opened the scoring in the 65th minute for Germany, before Leonardo Bonucci drew even after converting a penalty in the 78th minute. The score remained 1–1 after extra time and Germany beat Italy 6–5 in a penalty shootout. It was the first time Germany had overcome Italy in a major tournament.[113][114] In the semi-finals Germany played the host nation France. Germany's hopes of securing a fourth European championship were put on hold however as France ended Germany's run by eliminating them by a score of 0–2. It was France's first competitive win against Germany in 58 years.[115]

On 2 July 2017, Germany won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup after a 1–0 win against Chile in the final at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg, it was their first FIFA Confederations Cup title.[116]

Disappointment at the 2018 World Cup and 2018–19 UEFA Nations League

Fans watching the match between Germany and South Korea

Fans watching the match between Germany and South Korea

Despite winning all their qualifying matches and the Confederations Cup the previous year, Germany started their 2018 World Cup campaign with a defeat to Mexico. This was their first loss in an opening match since the 1982 World Cup.[117] Germany defeated Sweden 2–1 in their second game via an injury-time winner from Toni Kroos, but was subsequently eliminated following a 2–0 loss to South Korea, their first exit in the first round since 1938 and first ever in group stage since the format had been reintroduced in 1950.[118][119]

Following the World Cup, Germany's struggles continued into the UEFA Nations League. After a 0–0 draw at home against France, they lost 3–0 against the Netherlands[120] and 1–2 in the rematch against France three days later; the latter result being their fourth loss in six competitive matches.[121] These results mean that Germany cannot advance to the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals and faced the prospect of possible relegation to League B in the next Nations League.[121]

After the Netherlands' win against France, the relegation to League B was confirmed.[122]

Team image

Kits and crest

The 2006 World Cup saw a widespread public display of the German national flag.

The 2006 World Cup saw a widespread public display of the German national flag.

The national team's home kit has always been a white shirt, black shorts, and white socks. The colours are derived from the 19th-century flag of the North German State of Prussia. Since 1988, many of the home kit's designs incorporate details patterned after the modern German flag (with the noted exception of the 2002 World Cup kit, which was a reversion to the pure black-and-white scheme). For the 2014 World Cup, the German team used white shorts rather than the traditional black due to FIFA's kit clashing rule for the tournament.[123] The away shirt colour has changed several times. Historically, green shirt with white shorts is the most often used alternative colour combination, derived from the DFB colours – though it is often erroneously reported that the choice is in recognition of the fact that Ireland, whose home shirts are green, were the first nation to play Germany in a friendly game after World War II. However, the first team to play Germany after WWII, as stated above, was actually Switzerland.[124] Other colours such as red, grey and black have also been used.

A change from black to red came in 2005 on the request of Jürgen Klinsmann,[125] but Germany played every game at the 2006 World Cup in its home white colours. In 2010, the away colours then changed back to a black shirt and white shorts, but at the tournament, the team dressed up in the black shorts from the home kit. The German team next resumed the use of a green shirt on its away kit, but then changed again to red-and-black striped shirts with white stripes and letters and black shorts.

Adidas AG is the longstanding kit provider to the national team, a sponsorship that began in 1954 and is contracted to continue until at least 2022.[126] In the 70s, Germany wore Erima kits (a German brand, formerly a subsidiary of Adidas).[127][128]

Kit suppliers

Kit supplierPeriodNotes
Adidas1954–presentIn the 1970s, Germany wore Erima kits
(a German brand, formerly a subsidiary of Adidas).[129][128]

Kit deals

Kit supplierPeriodContract
announcement
Contract
duration
ValueNotes
Adidas1954–present
2016-06-20
2019–2022 (4 years)[130]Total 250 million / Total $283.5 million
(50 million per year / $56.7 million per year)[131][132]
2018-09-10
2023–2026 (4 years)Undisclosed[133]

Home stadium

Olympic Stadium (Berlin)

Olympic Stadium (Berlin)

Germany plays its home matches among various stadiums, in rotation, around the country. They have played home matches in 43 different cities so far, including venues that were German at the time of the match, such as Vienna, Austria, which staged three games between 1938 and 1942.

National team matches have been held most often (46 times) in the stadiums of Berlin, which was the venue of Germany's first home match (in 1908 against England). Other common host cities include Hamburg (34 matches), Stuttgart (32), Hanover (28) and Dortmund. Another notable location is Munich, which has hosted numerous notable matches throughout the history of German football, including the 1974 FIFA World Cup Final, which Germany won against the Netherlands.

Media coverage

Germany's qualifying and friendly matches are televised by privately owned RTL; Nations League by public broadcasters ARD and ZDF. World Cup & European Championships matches featuring the German national team are among the most-watched events in the history of television in Germany.

Results and fixtures

Germany national football team results (2000–present)

Recent results and scheduled matches according to the DFB,[134][135] UEFA[136] and FIFA[137] websites.

2018

13 October 2018UEFA Nations League**Netherlands**3–0**Germany**Amsterdam
20:45 CEST (UTC+02:00)
  • Van DijkGoal30'
  • DepayGoal87'
  • WijnaldumGoal90+3'
Report [158]Stadium:Johan Cruyff Arena
Attendance: 52,536
Referee: Cüneyt Çakır (Turkey)
16 October 2018UEFA Nations League**France**2–1**Germany**Saint-Denis
20:45 CEST (UTC+02:00)
  • GriezmannGoal62', 80' (pen.)
Report [159]
  • KroosGoal14' (pen.)
Stadium:Stade de France
Attendance: 77,300
Referee: Milorad Mažić (Serbia)
15 November 2018Friendly**Germany**3–0**Russia**Leipzig
20:00 CET (UTC+01:00)
  • SanéGoal8'
  • SüleGoal25'
  • GnabryGoal40'
Report [160]Stadium:Red Bull Arena
Attendance: 35,288
Referee: Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
19 November 2018UEFA Nations League**Germany**2–2**Netherlands**Gelsenkirchen
20:45 CET (UTC+01:00)
  • WernerGoal9'
  • SanéGoal20'
Report [161]
  • PromesGoal85'
  • Van DijkGoal90+1'
Stadium:Veltins-Arena
Attendance: 42,186
Referee: Ovidiu Hațegan (Romania)

2019

20 March 2019Friendly**Germany**1–1**Serbia**Wolfsburg
20:45 CET (UTC+01:00)
  • GoretzkaGoal69'
Report [162]
  • JovićGoal12'
Stadium:Volkswagen Arena
Attendance: 26,101
Referee: Bobby Madden (Scotland)
24 March 2019UEFA Euro 2020 Qualification**Netherlands**2–3**Germany**Amsterdam
20:45 CET (UTC+01:00)
  • De LigtGoal48'
  • DepayGoal63'
Report [163]
  • SanéGoal15'
  • GnabryGoal34'
  • SchulzGoal90'
Stadium:Johan Cruyff ArenA
Attendance: 51,694
Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain)
8 June 2019UEFA Euro 2020 Qualification**Belarus**0–2**Germany**Barysaw
20:45 CEST (UTC+02:00)Report [164]
  • SanéGoal13'
  • ReusGoal62'
Stadium:Borisov Arena
Attendance: 12,510
Referee: Srđan Jovanović (Serbia)
11 June 2019UEFA Euro 2020 Qualification**Germany**8–0**Estonia**Mainz
20:45 CEST (UTC+02:00)
  • ReusGoal10', 37'
  • GnabryGoal17', 62'
  • GoretzkaGoal20'
  • GündoğanGoal26' (pen.)
  • WernerGoal79'
  • SanéGoal88'
Report [165]Stadium:Opel Arena
Attendance: 26,050
Referee: Ali Palabıyık (Turkey)
6 September 2019UEFA Euro 2020 Qualification**Germany**2–4**Netherlands**Hamburg
20:45 CEST (UTC+02:00)
  • GnabryGoal9'
  • KroosGoal73' (pen.)
Report [166]
  • F. de JongGoal59'
  • TahGoal66' (o.g.)
  • MalenGoal79'
  • WijnaldumGoal90+1'
Stadium:Volksparkstadion
Attendance: 51,299
Referee: Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
9 September 2019UEFA Euro 2020 Qualification**Northern Ireland**0–2**Germany**Belfast
20:45 CEST (UTC+02:00)Report [167]
  • HalstenbergGoal48'
  • GnabryGoal90+3'
Stadium:Windsor Park
Attendance: 18,326
Referee: Daniele Orsato (Italy)
9 October 2019Friendly**Germany**v**Argentina**Dortmund
20:45 CEST (UTC+02:00)Report [168]Stadium:Westfalenstadion
13 October 2019UEFA Euro 2020 Qualification**Estonia**v**Germany**Tallinn
20:45 CEST (UTC+02:00)Report [169]Stadium:A. Le Coq Arena
16 November 2019UEFA Euro 2020 Qualification**Germany**v**Belarus**Mönchengladbach
20:45 CET (UTC+01:00)Report [170]Stadium:Borussia-Park
19 November 2019UEFA Euro 2020 Qualification**Germany**v**Northern Ireland**Frankfurt
20:45 CET (UTC+01:00)Report [171]Stadium:Commerzbank-Arena

Competition records

Germany has won the World Cup four times, behind only Brazil (five titles).[138] It has finished as runners-up four times.[138] In terms of semi-final appearances, Germany leads with 13, two more than Brazil's 11, which had participated in two more tournaments.[138] From 1954 to 2014 (16 tournament editions), Germany always reached at least the stage of the last eight teams, before being eliminated in the group stage in 2018.[138] Germany has also qualified for every one of the 18 World Cups for which it has entered – it did not enter the inaugural competition in Uruguay of 1930 for economic reasons, and could not qualify for or compete in the post-war 1950 World Cup as the DFB was reinstated as a FIFA member only two months after this tournament. Germany also has the distinction of having an Elo football rating of 2196 following their victory in the 2014 World Cup, which was higher than any previous champion.[139]

Germany has also won the European Championship three times (Spain and France are the only other multiple-time winners with three and two titles respectively), and finished as runners-up three times as well.[140] The Germans have qualified for every European Championship tournament except for the very first European Championship they entered in 1968.[140] For that tournament, Germany was in the only group of three teams and thus only played four qualifying games. The deciding game was a scoreless draw in Albania which gave Yugoslavia the edge, having won in their neighbour country. The team finished out of top eight only in two occasions, the tournaments of 2000[141] and 2004.[142] In the other ten editions Germany participated in they reached nine times at least the semi-finals, an unparalleled record in Europe.

See also East Germany and Saarland for the results of these separate German teams, and Austria for the team that was merged into the German team from 1938 to 1945.

FIFA World Cup record

  • 1930–1938 as → →  Germany

  • 1950–1990 as  West Germany

  • 1994–present as  Germany

Champions       Runners-up       Third place       Fourth place

FIFA World Cup finals recordQualifications record
YearRoundPositionGPWD
LGFGASquadGPWDLGFGA
Uruguay1930Did not enterDid not enter
Italy1934Third place3rd4301118Squad1100911934
France1938First round10th201135Squad33001111938
Brazil1950Banned from entering1950
Switzerland1954Champions1st65012514Squad43101231954
Sweden1958Fourth place4th62221214SquadQualified as defending champions1958
Chile1962Quarter-finals7th421142Squad44001151962
England1966Runners-up2nd6411156Squad43101421966
Mexico1970Third place3rd65011710Squad65102031970
West Germany1974Champions1st7601134SquadQualified as hosts1974
Argentina1978Second group stage6th6141105SquadQualified as defending champions1978
Spain1982Runners-up2nd73221210Squad88003331982
Mexico1986Runners-up2nd732287Squad85212291986
Italy1990Champions1st7520155Squad63301331990
United States1994Quarter-finals5th531197SquadQualified as defending champions1994
France1998Quarter-finals7th531186Squad106402391998
South KoreaJapan2002Runners-up2nd7511143Squad1063119122002
Germany2006Third place3rd7511146SquadQualified as hosts2006
South Africa2010Third place3rd7502165Squad108202652010
Brazil2014Champions1st7610184Squad1091036102014
Russia2018Group stage22nd310224Squad1010004342018
Qatar2022To be decided
2022
CanadaMexicoUnited States2026To be decided
2026
Total19/214 titles1096720*22226125947418229270Total
**Denotes draws including knockout matches decided onpenalty kicks.***Red border indicates tournament was held on home soil.

FIFA Confederations Cup record

FIFA Confederations Cup record
YearRoundPositionPldWD
LGFGASquad
1992Did not enter[143]
1995Did not qualify
1997Did not enter[144]
1999Group stage5th310226Squad
2001Did not qualify
2003Did not enter[145]
2005Third place3rd53111511Squad
2009Did not qualify
2013
2017Champions1st5410125Squad
Total1 title3/10138232922

UEFA European Championship record

  • 1960–1988 as  West Germany

  • 1992–present as  Germany

UEFA European Championship recordQualification record
YearRoundPositionPldWD
LGFGASquadPldWDLGFGASquad
France1960Did not enterDid not enter
Spain1964
Italy1968Did not qualify4211921968
Belgium1972Champions1st220051Squad85301331972
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia1976Runners-up2nd211*064Squad84401751976
Italy1980Champions1st431063Squad64201711980
France1984Group stage5th311122Squad85121551984
West Germany1988Semi-finals3rd421163SquadQualified as hosts
Sweden1992Runners-up2nd521278Squad65011341992
England1996Champions1st642*0103Squad1081127101996
BelgiumNetherlands2000Group stage15th301215Squad86112042000
Portugal200412th302123Squad85301342004
AustriaSwitzerland2008Runners-up2nd6402107Squad128313572008
PolandUkraine2012Semi-finals3rd5401106Squad1010003472012
France2016Semi-finals3rd632*173Squad107122492016
Europe2020To be determined2200522020
Germany2024Qualified as hostsQualified as hosts
Total3 titles13/15492612*117248986920923761Total
**Denotes draws include knockout matches decided onpenalty kicks.***Gold background colour indicates that the tournament was won.***Red border color indicates tournament was held on home soil.

UEFA Nations League

UEFA Nations League record
YearDivisionRoundPosPldWD
LGFGA
2018–19AGroup stage
Relegated
3rd402237
2020–21BTo be determined
TotalGroup stage
League A
1/1402237
**Denotes draws including knockout matches decided onpenalty kicks.***Gold background colour indicates that the tournament was won.***Red border colour indicates tournament was held on home soil.

Honours

Competition1st, gold medalist(s)2nd, silver medalist(s)3rd, bronze medalist(s)Total
FIFA World Cup44412
UEFA European Championship3339
FIFA Confederations Cup1012
Nations League0000
Total87823

FIFA ranking history

Source:[146]

19931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018
15222351112412191765263322143116

Personnel

Current technical staff

PositionName
Head coachJoachim Löw
Assistant coachMarcus Sorg
Fitness coachYann-Benjamin Kugel
Goalkeeping coachAndreas Köpke
Team doctorHans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt
Business managerOliver Bierhoff
Sporting directorHans-Dieter Flick

Players

Current squad

The following players were selected for the Euro 2020 qualifying games against Netherlands and Northern Ireland on 6 and 9 September 2019.[147] Caps and goals correct as of: 9 September 2019, after the match against Northern Ireland.[148]

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
11GKManuel Neuer (captain)(1986-03-27)27 March 1986900GermanyBayern Munich
121GKBernd Leno(1992-03-04)4 March 199260EnglandArsenal
221GKMarc-André ter Stegen(1992-04-30)30 April 1992220SpainBarcelona

42DFMatthias Ginter(1994-01-19)19 January 1994280GermanyBorussia Mönchengladbach
52DFJonathan Tah(1996-02-11)11 February 199680GermanyBayer Leverkusen
132DFLukas Klostermann(1996-06-03)3 June 199640GermanyRB Leipzig
152DFNiklas Süle(1995-09-03)3 September 1995221GermanyBayern Munich
162DFMarcel Halstenberg(1991-09-27)27 September 199141GermanyRB Leipzig
172DFNiklas Stark(1995-04-14)14 April 199500GermanyHertha BSC

33MFJonas Hector(1990-05-27)27 May 1990423Germany1. FC Köln
63MFJoshua Kimmich(1995-02-08)8 February 1995443GermanyBayern Munich
73MFKai Havertz(1999-06-11)11 June 199950GermanyBayer Leverkusen
83MFToni Kroos(1990-01-04)4 January 19909415SpainReal Madrid
103MFJulian Brandt(1996-05-02)2 May 1996272GermanyBorussia Dortmund
113MFMarco Reus(1989-05-31)31 May 19894313GermanyBorussia Dortmund
183MFLeon Goretzka(1995-02-06)6 February 1995238GermanyBayern Munich
203MFSerge Gnabry(1995-07-14)14 July 1995109GermanyBayern Munich
233MFEmre Can(1994-01-12)12 January 1994221ItalyJuventus

94FWTimo Werner(1996-03-06)6 March 19962710GermanyRB Leipzig
194FWLuca Waldschmidt(1996-05-19)19 May 199600GermanySC Freiburg

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the Germany squad within the last 12 months and are still available for selection.

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up

DFNico Schulz(1993-04-01)1 April 199392GermanyBorussia Dortmundv.Netherlands, 6 September 2019
DFAntonio Rüdiger(1993-03-03)3 March 1993301EnglandChelseav.Netherlands, 24 March 2019
DFThilo Kehrer(1996-09-21)21 September 199670FranceParis Saint-Germainv.Netherlands, 24 March 2019

MFİlkay Gündoğan(1990-10-24)24 October 1990345EnglandManchester Cityv.Netherlands, 6 September 2019
MFJulian Draxler(1993-09-20)20 September 1993516FranceParis Saint-Germainv.Netherlands, 24 March 2019
MFLeroy Sané(1996-01-11)11 January 1996215EnglandManchester Cityv.Netherlands, 24 March 2019
MFMaximilian Eggestein(1996-12-08)8 December 199600GermanyWerder Bremenv.Netherlands, 24 March 2019
MFSebastian Rudy(1990-02-28)28 February 1990271Germany1899 Hoffenheimv.Netherlands, 19 November 2018

FWMark Uth(1991-08-24)24 August 199110GermanySchalke 04v.Russia, 15 November 2018

Famous past players

Captains

NamePeriodNotes
Fritz Szepan1934–1939
Paul Janes1939–1942
Fritz Walter1951–1956First official captain of the West Germany national football team
World Cup winning captain (1954)
Hans Schäfer1952–1962First West German player to play in three World Cup tournaments
(1954, 1958, (1962)
Helmut Rahn1958–1959
Herbert Erhardt1959–1962
Hans Schäfer1962
Uwe Seeler1962–1970
Wolfgang Overath1970–1972
Franz Beckenbauer1972–1977European Championship winning captain (1972)
World Cup winning captain (1974)
Berti Vogts1977–1978
Sepp Maier1978–1979
Bernard Dietz1979–1981European Championship winning captain (1980)
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge1981–1986
Harald Schumacher1986
Klaus Allofs1986–1987
Lothar Matthäus1988–1994World Cup winning captain (1990)
First captain of the unified Germany national football team
Jürgen Klinsmann1994–1998European Championship winning captain (1996)
Oliver Bierhoff1998–2001
Oliver Kahn2001–2004
Michael Ballack2004–2010
Philipp Lahm2010–2014World Cup winning captain (2014)
Bastian Schweinsteiger2014–2016
Manuel Neuer2016–2017
Julian Draxler2017Confederations Cup winning captain (2017)
Manuel Neuer2017–present

Player of the Year

Records

Most capped players

Lothar Matthäus is Germany's most capped player with 150 caps.

Lothar Matthäus is Germany's most capped player with 150 caps.

Below is a list of the 10 players with the most caps for Germany, as of 22 March 2017.[13] (Bold denotes players still available for selection). Players who had played for the separate East German Team (in the scope of this list: Streich 102) do not appear in this list.

PlayerPeriodCapsGoals
1Lothar Matthäus1980–200015023
2Miroslav Klose2001–201413771
3Lukas Podolski2004–201713049
4Bastian Schweinsteiger2004–201612124
5Philipp Lahm2004–20141135
6Jürgen Klinsmann1987–199810847
7Jürgen Kohler1986–19981052
8Per Mertesacker2004–20141044
9Franz Beckenbauer1965–197710314
10Thomas Häßler1988–200010111

Top goalscorers

Miroslav Klose is Germany's all-time top scorer with 71 goals.

Miroslav Klose is Germany's all-time top scorer with 71 goals.

Below is a list of the top 10 goalscorers for Germany, as of 27 June 2018.[14] (bold denotes players still available for selection). Former East Germany player Joachim Streich, who scored 55 goals, is not included in this Wikipedia list, though he is included in DFB records.

PlayerPeriodGoalsCapsAverage
1Miroslav Klose (list)2001–2014711370.52
2Gerd Müller (list)1966–197468621.10
3Lukas Podolski2004–2017491300.38
4Rudi Völler1982–199447900.52
Jürgen Klinsmann1987–19981080.44
6Karl-Heinz Rummenigge1976–198645950.47
7Uwe Seeler1954–197043720.60
8Michael Ballack1999–201042980.43
9Thomas Müller2010–381000.38
10Oliver Bierhoff1996–200237700.53

See also

  • List of international matches of Germany national football team

  • Germany national football team statistics

  • List of Germany national football team captains

  • List of German national football goalkeepers

  • Germany national football team manager

  • List of German national football team goalscorers

  • Germany Olympic football team

  • Germany national under-21 football team

  • Germany national youth football team (includes U-15, U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19 and U-20 squads)

  • Germany women's national football team

  • East Germany national football team

  • Germany–England

  • Germany–Italy

  • Germany–Netherlands

References

[1]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgIn Germany, the team is typically referred to as Die Nationalmannschaft (the national team), DFB-Elf (DFB eleven), DFB-Auswahl (DFB selection) or Nationalelf (national eleven). Whereas in foreign media, they are regularly described as Die Mannschaft (The Team). "The "Mannschaft" :: National Teams :: DFB – Deutscher Fußball-Bund e.V." www.dfb.de. Retrieved 12 June 2018. As of June 2015, this was acknowledged by the DFB as official branding of the team. "DFB unveil new "Die Mannschaft" branding". DFB. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
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[2]
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[3]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.org
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Citation Linkwww.fifa.com"Germany: FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. Retrieved 12 September 2013.
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Citation Linkwww.eloratings.netElo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 13 September 2019. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
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[8]
Citation Linkwww.dfb.de"All matches of The National Team in 1908". DFB. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2008.
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[9]
Citation Linkwww.dfb.de"All matches of The National Team in 1912". DFB. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2008.
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Citation Linkwww.dfb.de"All matches of The National Team in 1909". DFB. Archived from the original on 10 June 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2008.
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Citation Linkwww.fifa.com"Germany". FIFA. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
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[12]
Citation Linkwww.uefa.com"Germany's strength in numbers". UEFA. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
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Citation Linkwww.dfb.de"Statistics – Most-capped players". DFB. Archived from the original on 8 June 2011. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
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Citation Linkwww.dfb.de"Statistics – Top scorers". DFB. Archived from the original on 8 June 2011. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
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Citation Linkwww.fifa.com"Olympic Football Tournament Montreal 1976". FIFA. Archived from the original on 19 January 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2011.
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Citation Linkwww.fifa.com"– Germany on". FIFA. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
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Citation Linkwww.fifa.com"– Tournaments". FIFA. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
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Citation Linkfivethirtyeight.comSilver, Nate (13 July 2014). "Germany May Be the Best National Soccer Team Ever". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
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[19]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.orgIn early times it was simply called "die 11 besten Spieler von Deutschland" or just "die Bundesauswahl" (the Federation XI). Tags like "National team" or "National XI" weren't introduced until after World War I
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[20]
Citation Linkwww.rsssf.comReyes, Macario (26 June 2008). "V. Olympiad Stockholm 1912 Football Tournament". RSSSF. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
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