Germany “one step away” from making their dreams come true

It’s been twenty-four years since Germany last lifted a World Cup trophy. Not too long, in the grand scheme of things, but the last time they did so the nation was still a divided country. In 2002 they came closest, losing out to Brazil in the final. The last two tournaments, they’ve collected the third-place medal.

But Euro 2004 marked a turning point for the Germany national team. Despite their success in the 2002 World Cup, they failed to make it out of their group, collecting just two points. Four players remain from that team: Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski.

Then there’s the rest of the “golden generation,” the steady flow of new talent coming from Germany’s decision to totally overhaul its soccer system over the past decade. Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels, Mesut Özil, Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller are just a few of the names that come to mind.

Yet all this talk of a “golden generation” will be in vain should Germany not lift the World Cup this evening. And captain Lahm knows it. He said:

We all know what’s at stake. Our generation has developed and matured over the years. We have many players who are pillars at great international clubs. We have shown that we prepare perfectly for tournaments. We are only one step away from making our dream come true and we are fully focused on the final so that we, at last, bring back the trophy to Germany.

Do you think Germany will claim their fourth Cup? Or will Argentina thwart them?

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