It just had to be Germany, didn’t it?

Francis Leach casts his eye towards South Africa 2010 and Australia’s first opponent – Germany.

In fact Australia can’t have a FIFA World Cup finals experience without crossing paths with Germany in some form or another. In 1974 Rale Rasic’s team of part timers not only played in Germany, they were the meat in a very hot cold war sandwich. Drawn in a group that included East and West Germany the Socceroos pretty much held their own.

In 2006 we got a return trip as we made an amazing run to the knock out phase of the tournament. Many Socceroos fans have a real affection for Germany due to the great memories our boys created in Kaiserslautern, Munich and Stuttgart.

So there is certain symmetry to the draw that pits Australia against a genuine footballing powerhouse in Germany.

Traditionally, the Germans game is built for the rough and tumble of tournament football. Three World Cups and three European titles were won against some of the most talented teams in history (Puskas’ flying Hungarians in 1954 and Cryuff’s Dutch masters in 1974). The results speak for themselves. You can be assured that Joachim Low’s team will be steeped in that rich tradition. Doing what it takes to win is a trademark of German football and it’s that professionalism and experience that presents the greatest challenge to Pim Verbeek and his Socceroos.

Germany topped its group in qualification. Currently ranked 6^th in the world, the Germans boast the goal scoring talents of the likes of Bayern Munich’s Miroslav Klose and his dynamic club team mate, midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lazio’s Thomas Hitzlsperger and FC Koln’s Lukas Podolski.

And then there is Michael Ballack. Born behind the iron curtain in East Germany, Ballack has captained the unified German team with distinction. Strong, combat hardened and gifted he embodies the German ethos.

It’s a massive challenge for our boys, one that I’m sure they’ll relish. To be the best you need to beat the best, and Pim’s Socceroos wouldn’t want it any other way.

Francis Leach is a broadcaster with SEN 1116 in Melbourne, regular attendee on ABC Television’s ‘The Offsiders’ and Socceroo Fan. Francis is travelling with the GGArmy to the World Cup in South Africa.