Germany were scheduled to leave for South Africa yesterday with their coach Joachim Loew happy with the way his side's preparations for the World Cup so far.

Young German side can go a long way: coach Loew

Germany were scheduled to leave for South Africa yesterday with their coach Joachim Loew happy with the way his side's preparations for the World Cup so far.

After a two-day break following a 3-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Low's squad congregated in Frankfurt yesterday and were scheduled to leave for Johannesburg in the evening on board a chartered plane.

"We have young players who are technically very good and the potential is high," he said.

"Everybody has worked hard, but we still have another week of hard work ahead.

"We have a good team with great will and a great atmosphere. Everybody is passionate in training and that makes me certain that we can play a good tournament - I have lots of faith," Loew added.

Lahm the man
At the age of 26, Philipp Lahm becomes Germany's youngest ever captain at a major tournament, but with 65 caps to his name, he has already earned the respect of his team mates.

"He always speaks his mind clearly and openly ufffd for me, Lahm is an important person to talk to," said Low after announcing Lahm would replace the injured Michael Ballack as the leader of his side on the field.

"I know that I am always going to get open and honest feedback from him," said the German coach.

He also knows he can rely on the Bayern Munich full-back, who scored the opening goal of the World Cup in Munich four years ago and whose goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina last Wednesday was Germany's last from open play before they kick off their campaign against Australia next Sunday.

Options open
However, several other positions of Loew's side are yet to be decided.

Miroslav Klose has failed to impress in his two starts over the last week while his replacement in both games, Cacau, gave the team new verve and energy when he came on.

"I had not expected (Klose) to explode after just three or four days ufffd he just needs match practice," said Low, defending his selection of the Bayern Munich striker who scored just three times all last season.

"He needs a few more good training sessions and he will get those in South Africa. Then Miroslav will show what he is capable of at the tournament."

Likewise, Thomas Muller has shone in his two short appearances, giving Low food for thought over the next seven days before he has to hand in his first World Cup team sheet.

"I struggle to consider anything a regular starting XI," said Loew on the German Football Association (DFB) website.

"A team usually finds its feet during a tournament; things develop.

"Of course at the World Cup we will need players like Cacau and Muller who can put their mark on a game," Loew signed off.

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