Big names with much to prove: Germany
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Your support makes all the difference.1 Andreas Kopke Eintracht Frankfurt
A qualified car mechanic. In the 1990 and 94 World Cup squads as Bodo Illgner's deputy (Age 34, 33 caps).
2 Stefan Reuter Borussia Dortmund
One of the quickest wing-backs in the international game, can also play centre-back or in midfield (29, 52).
3 Marco Bode Werder Bremen
Reserve midfielder who made his debut in a friendly against South Africa in December 1995 (26, 2).
4 Steffen Freund Borussia Dortmund
East German-born midfielder and, by trade, a locksmith. Suspended for first Euro 96 match (26, 14).
5 Thomas Helmer Bayern Munich
Bayern use this tough defender as a man-marker but he prefers to play as a libero. Strong in the air (31, 47).
6 Matthias Sammer Borussia Dortmund
Classy midfielder turned sweeper in 1990 became first East German to represent unified country (28, 40).
7 Andreas Moller Borussia Dortmund
Top-quality playmaker and finisher, formerly with Juventus. Has suffered from injuries this season (28, 60).
8 Mehmet Scholl Bayern Munich
Temperamental midfielder who, if he can keep his temper, could be a matchwinner for his country (25, 8).
9 Fredi Bobic VfB Stuttgart
Born in Slovenia, a goalkeeper turned striker. First capped in 1994. Unlikely to be a starter (24, 8).
10 Thomas Hassler Karlsruhe
Accomplished attacking midfielder and free-kick specialist, formerly with Juventus and Roma (30, 73).
11 Stefan Kuntz Besiktas
A former policeman, Bundesliga top scorer in 1986 (with VfL Bochum) but was not capped until 1993 (33, 17).
12 Oliver Kahn Bayern Munich
Germany's most expensive goalkeeper when he left Karlsruhe for pounds 2m in 1994 (26, 4).
13 Mario Basler Bayern Munich
Skilful but temperamental midfielder who is at his best in a wide role. Has just left Werder Bremen (27, 18).
14 Markus Babbel Bayern Munich
Debut against Spain last year, a late challenger for a first-choice role in central defence. Tall and strong (23, 14).
15 Jurgen Kohler Borussia Dortmund
An experienced stopper, this wily former Juventus player may be a bit short of pace these days (30, 82).
16 Rene Schneider Hansa Rostock
Tall young defender who has had a good season with his former East German club in the Bundesliga (23, 1).
17 Christian Ziege Bayern Munich
Originally a goalkeeper, now one of Europe's best left wing-backs. The successor to Andreas Brehme (24, 17).
18 Jurgen Klinsmann Bayern Munich
Good news for the Czechs: Germany's captain and top striker is suspended for the first game (31, 84).
19 Thomas Strunz Bayern Munich
Forceful right-side midfielder who has struggled with injuries this season. Debut in 1990 (28, 26).
20 Oliver Bierhoff Udinese
Serie A striker who made debut in February this year, scored twice against Denmark in his second game (28, 4).
21 Dieter Eilts Werder Bremen
Unglamorous but determined and industrious midfielder, a favourite of coach Vogts (31, 16).
22 Oliver Reck Werder Bremen
Called up at last minute due to broken hand suffered by the Dortmund goalkeeper Stefan Klos (29, 0).
The team
Defeats by Denmark in the Euro 92 final and by Bulgaria at USA 94 were regarded as national calamities. Another shocker here and heads will roll: the squad is still packed with class players but they need to prove they can win the games that matter. One to watch: Bierhoff, Klinsmann's new partner up front.
The coach
Only Matthaus and Beckenbauer have topped Berti Vogts' total of 96 caps for West Germany and, as a defender with Borussia Monchengladbach, he won five titles, one national cup and the Uefa Cup twice. Has never coached at club level, instead he worked his way up through the national youth and Under-21 sides and replaced Beckenbauer in the top job in 1990.
The fact file
Previous appearances in finals: West Germany: 1972 (winners), 1976 (runners- up), 1980 (winners), 1984 (first round), 1988 (semi-finals). Germany: 1992 (runners-up).
Qualifying record: W8, D1, L1 (Group Seven winners).
Top scorer in qualifiers: 9 Klinsmann.
Most appearances in qualifiers: 10 Klinsmann.
Population 79.1m. Registered clubs 26,000. Registered players 374,000. Professional players 1,100.
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