After finishing third in the 2006 World Cup, a competition they hosted, Germany began Euro 2008 qualification as favourites to win Group D ahead of the Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland.

Defeat to Italy in the World Cup semi-finals was followed up by a 3-1 win over Portugal in the third-place play-off - a fitting end to a successful tournament for the unfashionable Germans.

They took this form into qualifying, booking their place to Austria and Switzerland before any other country after seven wins in nine games, including a record 13-0 crushing of San Marino. Despite this start, a 3-0 loss at home to the Czechs and a 0-0 draw with Wales condemned Germany to second place in Group D, two points behind the Czech Republic.

Yet they have been gifted an easy group in Euro 2008, featuring an Austrian team that is considered the worst in the tournament, a Poland side that did well to finish ahead of Portugal in qualifying and the talented but relatively unproven Croats.

Twice winners of the European Championships in 1972 and 1980 as West Germany and once, in 1996, since unification, the Germans have dominated Europe for long periods.

However, the team of 1996 fell apart quickly and by 2000 Germany had dropped out of contention and failed to win a match in either that tournament or the next.

Despite recent problems in this tournament, Germany begin as the bookies' favourites to win thanks to their qualification performances and results since, with friendly victories over Austria and Switzerland.

They are also one of the few countries to have a squad based largely on defence and midfield, with only a handful of quality attackers available.

Due to this reliance on a strong midfield, the ability of Michael Ballack to operate in a more defensive position than he is used to will provide one of the keys to success.