Few teams attract as many stereotypes as Germany. The supposed masters of Teutonic efficiency and specialists in scoring from 12 yards invariably possess a seasoned, battle-hardened look. Not this time. Old habits, such as a tradition of overachievement, may die hard, but this is the youngest group of players to have represented Germany at a World Cup for 76 years. Joachim Loew is credited with devising the bold tactics Jurgen Klinsmann deployed in 2006; now he has been similarly adventurous in his preference for the untried.
Much of the side who were European Under 21 champions last season are in Loew's party. There is an unusual unfamiliarity to this German side, though some sprung to prominence in Bayern Munich's Champions League run. They are, to paraphrase Sir Alex Ferguson, untypical Germans. Even their captain acknowledged as such. Philipp Lahm said on Friday: "We have more players who are able to win one-on-one situations, more players who are technically strong, and more players who enjoy having the ball - so fewer 'typically German' players, and that is really good for us."
They have a different look, created by new personnel. Manuel Neuer, Holger Badstuber, Dennis Aogo, Serder Tasci, Jerome Boateng, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Marko Marin, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller: these are men who could comprise the basis of the team for the 2018 World Cup, not just the 2010 tournament. Even the experienced players are comparatively youthful: new skipper Lahm has 65 caps, but is only 26; Bastian Schweinsteiger, his deputy, is a year younger and has played 10 more games; Lukas Podolski, 25, has 73 international appearances to his name.
Die Mannschaft are, of course, lacking their main man: Michael Ballack, whose ankle ligaments were damaged in the FA Cup final. Miroslav Klose, approaching 100 caps and 50 goals, almost appears an anachronism, surrounded by the next generation. Today provides the veteran striker with a chance to meet his contemporaries: nine of the possible Australian side have celebrated a 30th birthday. But Klose is an explicable anomaly. He offers a pedigree unrivalled by anyone in South Africa. His tally of 10 World Cup goals explains why a meagre tally of three Bundesliga strikes this season did not deter Loew from selecting him. On the bench for Bayern Munich, he leads the line for Germany. Klose, however, could do with the validation a goal provides.
Because where a decision has had to be made, Loew has favoured the younger alternative. Neuer is the chosen goalkeeper, not Hans-Jorg Butt, the Bayern veteran. Experienced performers like Torsten Frings, Kevin Kuranyi, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Christoph Metzelder are, for various reasons, at home. There seemed something symbolic about the precocious Muller inheriting Ballack's No 13 shirt; the baton may have been passed to the younger man.
Whichever, Germany kick off appearing more progressive than France, Italy and England, to name but three. They have fond memories of the 2006 tournament in their homeland; so do Australia, but the Socceroos retain the vast majority of their team as well. Mirroring the German approach, Pim Verbeek, the assistant manager then, is at the helm now. While Germany should peak in the future, however, his side look past their best. Certainly Australia have not convinced in their warm-up games, although they are far from alone in that respect. The form of Mark Bresciano and Vince Grella has been particular targets for criticism, while Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill have struggled for fitness, though both are likely to start. Their preparation has also included a visit from John Travolta. Whether that prompts an outbreak of Sunday Night Fever in Durban tonight remains to be seen. @Email:sports@thenational.ae
? Miroslav Klose v Craig Moore If, as has been hinted, the veteran Klose starts up front for Germany, he will face another seasoned campaigner. Moore, 34, has been without a club since March, but has bags of experience and is dominant in the air, which is where Klose gets many of his goals. ? Bastian Schweinsteiger v Tim Cahill Schweinsteiger, the Bayern Munich midfielder, has more responsibility on his shoulders with Michael Ballack, the captain, out with injury. He will have to marry controlling the midfield with watching out for Cahill's dangerous runs from deep into the box. Tactics A case of young legs v old heads. Germany have their youngest ever squad while the majority of Australia's starters are pushing 30. Their style is direct and physical. Germany, undoubtedly have more quality and they should win. Should. Player to watch Harry Kewell At his peak, the Australian was one of the most feared wingers. That was many years ago. Injuries and poor form have hindered him since but he is capable of magic moments. Previous meetings The one and only match between the countries was a thriller - a 4-3 win to Germany at the 2005 Confederations Cup. More of the same please. Did you know? Germany have been the World Cup's beaten finalists on a record four occasions. Three times as West Germany (1966, 1982 and 1986) and once as the unified nation (2006). Watch Algeria v Slovenia (3.30pm), Ghana v Serbia (6pm) and Germany v Australia (10.30pm) all on Aljazeera Sport +9 and Aljazeera World Cup