Löw names World Cup squad
June 2, 2014
Germany selected their final 23-man squad on Monday for the 2014 World Cup. After a somewhat disappointing 2-2 draw with Cameroon in Mönchengladbach on Sunday night, coach Joachim Löw selected the 23 players he feels can return home with Germany's fourth World Cup trophy.
Borussia Dortmund's Marcel Schmelzer, Sampdoria's Shkodran Mustafi and Hoffenheim's Kevin Volland were the three players omitted from the final squad, leaving Dortmund youngster Erik Durm, Gladbach's Christoph Kramer and Freiburg's Matthias Ginter a chance to impress in Brazil.
Germany's squad has been plagued by injuries during their tournament preparations, and that has reduced Löw's selection options. Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender was ruled out injured - joining his brother Sven on the sidelines - just over a week ago, and with Sami Khedira still getting his fitness back, the inclusion of defensive midfielder Christoph Kramer appears necessary.
The selection of left-back Erik Durm is remarkable considering he has only made 19 Bundesliga appearances this season. He seems to have got the nod ahead of club teammate Marcel Schmelzer after concerns over Schmelzer's fitness persisted during the training camp in South Tyrol, Austria.
While Mustafi's exclusion was expected, Freiburg's Matthias Ginter - who has played in defensive midfield - will be delighted with his selection.
Volland's omission means Germany have selected only one out-and-out striker, Miroslav Klose - who turns 36-years-old next week. Having not featured against Cameroon, Volland's chances of being on the plane appeared to decrease dramatically.
Germany's 2014 World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover 96)
Defenders: Erik Durm, Mats Hummels, Kevin Grosskreutz (all Borussia Dortmund), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal), Philipp Lahm, Jerome Boateng (both Bayern Munich), Benedikt Höwedes (Schalke)
Midfielders: Lukas Podolski, Mesut Özil (both Arsenal), Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller, Mario Götze (all Bayern Munich), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Andre Schürrle (Chelsea), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Matthias Ginter (Freiburg), Julian Draxler (Schalke), Christoph Kramer (Gladbach)
Forward: Mirsolav Klose (Lazio)