We take a look at Germany's finest shot-stoppers over the years.
We take a look at Germany's greatest goalkeepers
Oliver Kahn
World-class goalkeeper Kahn was Germany's first-choice shot-stopper at the 2002 World Cup. And he shone impressively at the tournament in South East Asia. He conceded just three goals during his seven appearances at the tournament as the Germans reached the final only to lose to Brazil. Kahn's displays were rewarded with the Golden Ball prize, making him the only keeper to land the gong in World Cup history. Kahn also featured once at the 2006 World Cup, playing in the third-placed play-off win over Portugal.
Jens Lehmann
Lehmann was Germany's No.1 shot-stopper at the last World Cup after being chosen ahead of the brilliant Kahn by then-manager Jurgen Klinsmann. Lehmann, an eccentric keeper, recorded clean sheets against Poland, Ecuador and Sweden as the Germans reached the quarter-finals against Argentina. And versus the South Americans, Lehmann emerged as a hero, saving two spot-kicks in the penalty shoot-out. Alas, Germany were undone in the next round versus Italy.
Sepp Maier
The terrific Maier is famed for his magnficent reflexes. He played at three separate World Cups, making 18 apperances in total and losing just three matches. Maier first appeared at the 1970 tournament, reaching the semi-finals. He was again utlised four years later when his nation hosted the competition. And Maier and his team-mates claimed glory, seeing off Holland in the showpiece. He also played at the 1978 competition but the Germans were unable to retain their crown.
Harald Schumacher
Schumacher played at two World Cup finals, tallying 14 appearances including two final showdowns, yet he never got his hands on the trophy. He was first called upon to represent his nation on the world stage at the 1982 tournament in Spain. Germany ultimately reached the final which they lost versus Italy, but Schumacher's competition was marred by an incident in the semi-finals against France. Indeed, Schumacher controversially collided and seriously injured defender Patrick Battiston. Four years later Schumacher was again Germany's No.1 as his nation were defeated in the final against Argentina.
Hans Tilkowski
After being Germany's second-choice goalkeeper at the 1962 World Cup, Tilkowski emerged as the nation's No.1 for the competition four years later hosted in England. Tilkowski helped the Germans achieve clean sheets against Switzerland, Argentina and Uruguay as his country reached the final against hosts England. Alas, as every football follower knows, Germany were undone by England in the showpiece 4-2.
Toni Turek
Turek was Germany's first-choice shot-stopper at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland. The Germans were hugely impressive throughout the tournament as they marched to the final, putting seven past Turkey and hitting Austria for six. Then came the showpiece against Hungary: The Miracle of Bern. Turek pulled off a superb save to deny Hidegkuti Nandor in the encounter as the Germans beat their opposition 3-2 in dramatic style.
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