The Germany national football team are one of the most successful teams in world football. They have been to every FIFA world cup they have been permitted to enter. The only other team to do this is Brazil.
The side played their first ever match in 1908. They played Switzerland and lost the game 5-3. The Germany national football team played right through until 1942, when matches were suspended because of the Second World War.
After the war the team were banned from competing in most sports until 1950. The country was divided in three: East Germany, West Germany and Saarland.
Pre-reunification years
West Germany announced themselves by winning the tournament in 1954. They followed this up with fourth place in 1958 and a quarter-final in 1962. West Germany returned to the final in 1966, where they lost 4-2 to hosts England.
In 1974 the team claimed their second world title. They were joined in their home tournament by East Germany. Although West Germany did come out on top in the end, East Germany actually beat their neighbours 1-0.
The side lost in the final in both 1982 and 1986. In their final tournament before reunification, West Germany managed to turn runners-up into winners in 1990.
