2014 FIFA World Cup: Joachim Löw names final Germany squad

Head coach Joachim Loew talks to the media during a German National team press conference

German national team coach Joachim Löw named his final 23 players squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup today on the final day of official registration.Löw left out defenders Shkodran Mustafi (Sampdoria Genoa) and Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund) along with striker Kevin Volland (1899 Hoffenheim).Leaving out Mustafi was expected, but especially the release of Schmelzer surprised many though the Dortmund defender is currently not match fit. His young teammate Erik Durm, just like at the club, has taken his place in the national team as well.Meanwhile Kevin Volland was the only alternative to the seasoned and still not match fit, Miroslav Klose. However, coach Löw decided to only take the only pure striker to Brazil although Thomas Müller and Lukas Podolski can play the position. Mario Götze has also been used as a false number nine on occasions.

The final German squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers:Manuel Neuer (FC Bayern München), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover 96)Defenders:Jérôme Boateng (FC Bayern München), Erik Durm (Borussia Dortmund), Matthias Ginter (SC Freiburg), Kevin Großkreutz (Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Höwedes (FC Schalke 04), Mats Hummel (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (FC Bayern München), Per Mertesacker (FC Arsenal)Midfielders:Julian Draxler (FC Schalke 04), Mario Götze (FC Bayern München), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Christoph Kramer (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Toni Kroos (FC Bayern München), Thomas Müller (FC Bayern München), Mesut Özil (FC Arsenal), Lukas Podolski (FC Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), André Schürrle (Chelsea London), Bastian Schweinsteiger (FC Bayern München)Forwards:Miroslav Klose (Lazio Roma)