Germany's 23-man World Cup squad

Since the 2010 World Cup, Neuer has been regarded as the number one German keeper. He's had fitness concerns ahead of the 2014 competition following a shoulder injury in the German Cup final, but is expected to recover. Neuer has been capped 45 times for the national team.

Weidenfeller is the second in line for the German position between the sticks. With Neuer on the sidelines, the Dortmund keeper played the full 90 minutes of their friendly against Cameroon. He has been capped on just two occasions.

Raised up through the Manchester United academy, Zieler has been one of the strongest keepers in the Bundesliga for a few seasons. While there was competition for the third spot, Löw holds the 24-year-old in high regard.

Per Mertesacker will be hoping to transfer his club form on to the international stage at the World Cup after a fine season at Arsenal. The man wearing the captain's armband against Cameroon is on course to break the 100 cap threshold in Brazil.

The 25-year-old defender with 38 caps to his name is important for Joachim Löw's defensive selections. In the absence of Lahm, Boateng has deputized at full-back, but he would point to central defense as his strongest position, as he's demonstrated at Bayern this season.

With 29 caps, Hummels still looks inexperienced compared to his veteran teammates. But the Dortmund defender is now an established rock at the heart of the German defense after a string of strong performances in the Bundesliga.

Schalke's captain has long been a regular squad member and the tournament in Brazil is no exception. Most capable at center-back, Höwedes is also able to play right-back if necessary and despite having only 18 caps to his name, he appears an important character in the squad.

The 22-year-old Dortmund left back has been selected ahead of his club teammate Marcel Schmelzer in what has been a sensational year for the youngster. Thrust into the thick of it during Dortmund's injury crisis, the left back excelled, notably performing well against Real Madrid in the Champions League. He made his debut against Cameroon on Sunday night and now a World Cup awaits.

Every manager would be happy to have a player like Grosskreutz in their squad, and considering his versatility, there's perhaps no surprise to see him as part of Löw's final 23. The Dortmund man can play almost anywhere on either wing and will provide suitable cover throughout the tournament.

Philipp Lahm has been deployed in almost every position this season for club and country, but he will be a strong option at right back for Löw. Lahm is on 105 international caps at the age of 30 and will be hoping to add a World Cup trophy to his already illustrious career.

Matthias Ginter is another player that fits coach Löw's bill thanks to his versatility. The Freiburg youngster enjoyed a good year domestically, but the fact he can play in defensive midfield as well as in the center of defense has helped him secure a place on the plane to Brazil.

Schweinsteiger is facing a race against time to be fit for the 2014 World Cup. Only recently did the midfielder surpass the 100 international appearances mark. His experience at this level will be imperative to helping the younger players around him.

On loan from Bayer Leverkusen at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Christoph Kramer's tireless running and neat passing have paid off. After a smart showing in the game against Poland, his final 15 minutes against Cameroon on Sunday night were enough to convince Löw to pick him for Brazil. A fantastic opportunity lies ahead.

Khedira was subbed during the Champions League final, but his road to recovery has been largely positive. The midfielder added more minutes under his belt against Cameroon, following a serious knee injury in November. On form, he could be crucial to Germany's chances.

His future at Bayern Munich is on hold - Kroos is ready to help Germany at the World Cup. The passing maestro in midfield boasts great qualities and has endeavored to make the deep-lying role his own in the national team.

At only 20-years-old, Schalke's Julian Draxler is yet another of Löw's attacking midfield talents. His form might have been up and down across the season, but the experience he will gain from being part of the squad will be invaluable for future tournaments.

Replacing Marco Reus, Mustafi is the new kid on the plane to Brazil. The 22-year-old defender has appeared once already for the national team and he plays his club football in Italy with Sampdoria. He trained at English side Everton as a youth player.

Özil's form has dipped towards the end of the season, but his natural talent could still tear opposition defences apart. The 25-year-old has taken time to settle at Arsenal, but has already completed more than half a century of international caps.

The young German has been challenged this year since leaving Dortmund for Munich. He scored against his old club, coming off the bench at the Signal-Iduna Park to silence his former supporters. Götze may feature in an advanced attacking role rather than behind the frontman.

While Schürrle's position in the team is uncertain, the former Leverkusen winger can be used sparingly as a forward. His big move to Chelsea has yet to catapult his career to new levels, but he's sticking to his guns and continues to improve.

Not many can beat Lukas Podolski's cap record (112) - and not many will. The Arsenal man has however found a role off the bench for Germany, and an important one at that - he most recently helped a lackluster Germany side draw against Cameroon.

Müller could feature as Germany's most forward player. He's the only player, apart from the Klose, with natural goalscoring characteristics - instinct, movement, pace and anticipation. He's scored 18 goals in 47 caps for the national team.

Miroslav Klose has 68 international goals to his name, but he's hoping for more. The Lazio striker is only one away from breaking two huge records - the most World Cup goals (currently held by Ronaldo) and the most goals for Germany (currently held by Gerd Müller). And Klose has a habit of peaking in time for major championships.