Andre Schurrle bolts in his chair, pupils dilated. The conversation has moved on to how much it really means to pull on a Germany shirt. ‘It’s the most important thing for us, without doubt,’ he says. ‘Look at the players who have pulled on that jersey throughout history. You are one of them.’ And so the Chelsea man recounts the names. Beckenbauer, Muller, Matthaus, even Ballack. ‘It means so much to me. When I was young I saw the national team with this pride and history.’ In the build-up to what should prove to be a World Cup to beat any of the previous three, the Germans know what they are and know exactly what they ought to achieve.
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Joachim Low's side not looking for climate excuses over in Brazil
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Germany have a tough group with Portugal, USA and Ghana
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Schurrle tips Dortmund's Marco Reus to be a star at the tournament
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Philipp Lahm's composure will be key, while it could be Bastian Schweinsteiger's final World Cup
Chelsea
This is it: @placeholder's Andre Schurrle confidently stated that Germany's only goal is to win the World Cup in Brazil
Ballack
Hero: @placeholder played on gallantly even after suffering suspension in the 2002 semi-final
Germany
Germany
For @placeholder – with the undisputed talent at Low’s disposal – the time is now.
Joachim Low
For Germany – with the undisputed talent at @placeholder’s disposal – the time is now.