FIFA World Cup 2018 Group F: Germany

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - Reigning World Cup champions Germany are among the favorites to win the trophy in Russia 2018.

Germany will be in Group F along with Sweden, Mexico and South Korea.

"Die Mannschaft" qualified for Russia 2018 after winning all their 10 matches in the European Qualifiers Group C. The team scored 43 times, while conceding only four goals.

Despite not playing for a whole season because of a foot injury, Manuel Neuer was cleared to participate in the World Cup in the beginning of the month.

Bayern Munich goalie will be accompanied by six other teammates of his, including Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels in defense and Thomas Muller at forward.

Manager Joachim Low also included Turkish-origin players Mesut Ozil of Arsenal and Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City.

Germany is one of the most successful nations in World Cup history, winning the coveted title four times before in 1954, 1974, 1990 and in 2014.

Since 1982, they have at least advanced to quarterfinals in every World Cup.

Germany's confirmed 23-men squad:

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona), Kevin Trapp (Paris Saint-Germain).

Defenders: Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich, Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Monchengladbach), Jonas Hector (FC Cologne), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha Berlin).

Midfielders: Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (Paris Saint-Germain), Leon Goretzka (Schalke 04), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Sebastian Rudy (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal).

Forwards: Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Timo Werner (Leipzig).

Manager: Joachim Low.