After coming close to winning a major competition in the last three, Germany will be one of the favourites to lift the 2014 FIFA World Cup when it is held in Brazil in just under 12 months. There is a lot of pressure on manager Joachim Loew, which is surprising given that he was hailed as the saviour of German football only a few years back. However, repeated failures in major competitions has allowed some doubts to creep into the minds of German fans and media. Loew will be under enormous pressure to deliver the 2014 World Cup to Germany.

He has said that he is already looking forward to the World Cup after the Confederations cup, which is like a precursor to the World Cup, is coming to an end. Germany have not taken part in this competition, but they have seen the likes of Spain and Italy struggle. This will have certainly given them a lot of hope, as these two teams have been one of the strongest from Europe. Germany, on the other hand, will have reasons to be concerned about Brazil and Argentina, who have been coming to form at just the right stage.

Even though there were dangers of the Confederations cup being halted, Loew is confident that the World Cup will be held in a successful manner.

“My initial impression is very positive. The people are very friendly and incredibly fanatical about football. I think it will be a memorable World Cup next year. I am not concerned about the security situation, I am sure it will be very secure,” said the 53-year-old manager. He has been widely linked with a move to club football. Real Madrid are thought to be heavily interested in his services after losing their manager José Mourinho only recently.