World Cup: Germany v Saudi Arabia Preview

It would be crazy to right off Germany's chances after a wild year for coach Rudi Voller's side.

There will be no side better prepared at the finals and despite injury problems and some strange results for Voller and his side, they have the nucleus of a team which can at least reach the knockout stages and possibly go much further. But they have hit more than 30 goals in recent friendlies but lost in Wales and were clearly very poor when losing to England last year at home in a result that almost defies belief to this day.

It suggests Germany may prove as brittle as they were in Euro 200 and France 98.

With a fit Jens Nowotny, Sebastian Deisler, Christian Worns and Mehmet Scholl they would be among the contenders but the loss of the four stars has stretched Voller's resources to their limit.

The injury problems still linger with doubts over Michael Ballack and Marko Rehmer ahead of the opening game against Saudi Arabia but Ballack seems certain to start and could be a real star of the tournament.

Germany desperately need him to deliver and if he can then the front running of Stefan Klose would come into full effect. Klose is a tidy finisher and it is not hard to see him getting chances against the Saudis.

Voller's side can also rely on the bullish tackling of Dietmar Hamann to dominate midfield and it is doubtful the Saudis will be winning midfield battles with the imperious Liverpool star.

Saudi coach Nasser Al Johar has seen his side's form revive completely since he took charge and his side has gained a measure of discipline to go with their tendency to work the ball in pretty patterns. The Saudis can attack with purpose but are more likely to pack midfield and try to hold the draw. They also know that if Ballack is pressurised then the Germans may lack the creative ability to break down their defence although corners and free kicks for the European side will represent a considerable threat.

The Saudis will use Al Hassan Al-Yami as a lone striker but he may not be enough to deter the German midfield from pushing right up to support the tricks and vision of Bernd Schneider and Ballack.

The Germans may have too much power to be kept from scoring at least with one set piece and should start the tournament with a win to help boost their confidence.