2010 FIFA World Cup: The Rise Of The German Empire

South Africa 2010 has brought many surprises along the way, some shock defeats, some classic encounters, the rise and fall of many nations but remarkably the biggest shock has been the form and performance of the German team.

Having come to South Africa with no great expectation, they have archived beyond merit and still have a chance to take their country all the way to Glory.

Germany have managed to overcome and over-power the English and Argentinians with four goals a piece to mark their place in the Semi-Finals where they will face current European Champions Spain.

Taking a look back into history, we can safely say that Germany is the third most successful footballing team in the World, having won the World Cup three times and the European Championship thrice.

While many would compare this team to the one of '74 when the likes of Beckenbauer and Gerd Muller over-came the Dutch to lift the trophy on home soil.

Today in 2010, we see a young squad over flowing with ambition and desire for greatness and an amazing self belief that has been instilled in them from an early age.

A major factor in the rise of the Germans has been the Re-governance of German Football and its efforts to emphasize the importance of youth academies that is used as a supply chain for domestic clubs.

The Bundeslige is one of those domestic leagues that attracts the best of European talent based on its financial strength.

Players often choose the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and now Manchester City based on their financial ability and huge some of money.

In Germany they have found a way to go around this, rather than buying the best for huge sums, they are growing their own crops.

Since 2001, Germany has started with major plans for youth development in football, clubs like Bayern Munich is one of those who head this with great youngsters coming about.

Another important factor that has been to the beneficial of German football and is noticable in their game is that of German players, playing in Germany.

While many might argue that the same could be said for English players, the difference comes when you look at the amount of foreigners playing in the English league compared to that in the German league.

Now when you look at the team-sheet of Germany you see names likes Neuer the goalkeeper whose only 24, central defender Jansen 24, Jerome Boateng 21, Sami Khedira 23, Mesut Ozil whose impressed all with his pace, dribbling ability and he's only 21. And then there is Thomas Muller, whose be a shining beacon at age 20.

Those are just some of the stand out players this year, then you look at some of the older players in Podolski (25), Lahm (26), Schweinsteiger (25) so while they might be the more senior players they still have around nine or ten years to represent the country. 

With such a young squad with incredible talent and ability, if managed correctly they could become the most powerful footballing squad for the next 10 years.

While many of their players are now chased by some of Europe's elite clubs, it will be vitally important that they choose their clubs not based on the money involved but rather on the character of the club. Which many will say is not possible simply because of the modernization of football, which i agree but their are still clubs out their that are manged with purpose.

Germany will now face the Spain on Wednesday evening in Durban at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in the World Cup Semi Final.

While many feel that the Germans are stronger based on both teams performances thus far, we have to remember that like the Germans, the Spanish are very similar in terms of home-grown talent.

Ultimately it will be a great test, a team that is strong both defensively and in attack, a team that enjoys possession and a team that is filled with great leaders.

In terms of individuals, Spain has amazing talent, in terms of team-work Spain is one of the best.

The question is, Can this highly impressive German outfit outclass and out-master it's German opposition?

In terms of the tournament so far, personally I believe this is the greatest test for Joachim Low and his young guns.Ozikl