5 things that could help Germany retain the World Cup

#4 Defensive stability

Boateng and Hummels will be key for Germany at the back

The triumvirate of Neuer, Hummels and Boateng was the key to Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph and the Bayern Munich trio's powers haven't waned four years on.

There may be some doubt about Neuer's fitness post his fracture and absence from football, but it is easier to get to full fitness when between the posts and in front of two rock-solid defenders.

Although the German defence has let in seven goals in the last five matches, come crunch time, the German machine will come into full force and firing on all cylinders. With Jonas Hector and Joshua Kimmich commanding the full-back options, and able options in Niklas Sule and Matthias Ginter in defence, the Germans will be a formidable force to get past.

The Germans conceded just four goals in their entire 2014 World Cup campaign and if they are the same miserly, stubborn self, they could go a long way in the 2018 World Cup.