Meta description: Relive the glory of the 2014 Germany Football Team and discover where the World Cup champions are now. CAUHOI2025.UK.COM provides an in-depth look at the players, their careers after the win, and their lasting impact on German football. Explore player profiles, achievements, and post-retirement activities.
1. The Unforgettable Triumph: Germany’s 2014 World Cup Victory
The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil saw Germany achieve their fourth World Cup title, a moment etched in football history. This victory was attributed to a blend of young talent, seasoned veterans, and exceptional teamwork. The squad, led by coach Joachim Löw, showcased tactical brilliance and resilience throughout the tournament. Key players like Manuel Neuer, Mesut Özil, and Thomas Müller played pivotal roles, contributing to Germany’s success.
The final against Argentina was a nail-biting affair, with Mario Götze’s extra-time goal securing the win. This victory not only marked a significant achievement for German football but also highlighted the effectiveness of Löw’s strategic approach and the players’ dedication. The triumph in Brazil remains a celebrated moment, symbolizing the peak of German footballing prowess in the 21st century.
2. Manuel Neuer: The Everlasting Goalkeeper
Manuel Neuer, widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in football history, was pivotal to Germany’s 2014 World Cup win. His exceptional shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence earned him the Golden Glove award as the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Neuer’s contributions extended beyond his goalkeeping skills; his ability to play as a sweeper-keeper revolutionized the position, providing an additional layer of defense for Germany.
Even at 39, Neuer continues to excel for Bayern Munich, securing his 11th Bundesliga title and multiple continental trebles. According to a February 2025 report by Bundesliga.com, Neuer extended his contract with Bayern until the summer of 2026. After retiring from international duty post Euro 2024, Neuer’s focus remains on maintaining his high standards at the club level. His longevity and consistent performance underscore his status as a true legend of the game.
Neuer’s Impact on Modern Goalkeeping
Neuer’s innovative style has influenced many aspiring goalkeepers. His proactive approach and ability to contribute to build-up play have redefined the role of a modern goalkeeper. Football analysts often cite his impact on tactical formations and defensive strategies.
3. Kevin Großkreutz: The Versatile Player
Kevin Großkreutz, known for his versatility, was part of the 2014 World Cup squad. Although he did not feature in any matches during the tournament, his inclusion highlighted his ability to play multiple positions. During his time with Borussia Dortmund, Großkreutz won two Bundesliga titles and reached the UEFA Champions League final. His career took him through various clubs, including VfB Stuttgart, Darmstadt, and Uerdingen, before retiring in January 2021.
Since retirement, Großkreutz has remained active in amateur football, playing for local teams in Dortmund. His career reflects his adaptability and commitment to the sport. Despite not having a prominent role in the World Cup, his contributions to German football are noteworthy.
4. Matthias Ginter: From Youngster to Veteran
Matthias Ginter, the youngest member of the 2014 World Cup squad at 20, did not make an appearance during the tournament. At the time, he was a Freiburg player before transferring to Borussia Dortmund shortly after the World Cup. Ginter’s career has seen him represent Borussia Mönchengladbach and return to Freiburg in 2022.
With over 50 international caps, Ginter has become a seasoned defender for Germany. He was part of the squad that won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. Although he last played for Germany in 2023, his experience and leadership qualities remain valuable assets.
5. Benedikt Höwedes: The Unlikely Left-Back
Benedikt Höwedes, a Schalke youth product, played every minute of Germany’s 2014 World Cup campaign, surprisingly as a left-back. This versatility and reliability made him an integral part of the team. Höwedes retired from international football in 2017 with 44 caps.
After a long career with Schalke and a brief stint with Juventus, Höwedes retired in July 2020. According to a Bundesliga.com report, he joined Hansi Flick’s backroom staff with the national team and also works as a TV pundit. His transition from player to coach and analyst showcases his deep understanding and passion for the game.
Höwedes’ Tactical Importance
Höwedes’ ability to adapt to different positions highlights his tactical intelligence. His performance at left-back during the World Cup was crucial to Germany’s defensive stability.
6. Mats Hummels: The Commanding Center-Back
Mats Hummels was a key figure in Germany’s defense during the 2014 World Cup. He scored the winning goal in the quarter-final against France and was a consistent presence throughout the tournament. Hummels has enjoyed a successful career, winning multiple Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
After leaving the Bundesliga in 2024, Hummels joined Roma in Italy. He announced his retirement in March 2025. His contributions to German football, both domestically and internationally, have solidified his legacy as one of the top defenders of his generation.
7. Sami Khedira: The Midfield Engine
Sami Khedira was a vital component of Germany’s midfield, partnering with Bastian Schweinsteiger. He featured in five of the team’s seven games in Brazil and scored a goal in the semi-final against the hosts. Khedira’s career includes winning the Champions League with Real Madrid and league titles with Juventus.
After playing for Hertha Berlin, Khedira retired in June 2021. He returned to Stuttgart as an advisor and works as a pundit. His experience and insight make him a valuable voice in football analysis.
8. Bastian Schweinsteiger: The Heartbeat of the Team
Bastian Schweinsteiger’s performance in the 2014 World Cup final is considered one of the best by a German player. His leadership and tenacity were crucial to Germany’s success. Schweinsteiger continued playing for Bayern Munich before moving to Manchester United and later to Chicago Fire.
After retiring, Schweinsteiger returned to Germany and works as a television pundit. His contributions to German football are celebrated, and he remains an influential figure in the sport.
Schweinsteiger’s Leadership Qualities
Schweinsteiger’s leadership extended beyond his on-field performance. His ability to motivate and unite the team was vital to Germany’s World Cup victory.
9. Mesut Özil: The Creative Playmaker
Mesut Özil, known for his exceptional playmaking abilities, started all seven of Germany’s matches in Brazil. His creativity and vision were essential to Germany’s attacking play. Özil’s career included stints at Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, and Arsenal.
Özil retired in March 2023 due to recurrent injuries. His list of honors includes the DFB Cup with Bremen, La Liga with Real Madrid, and multiple FA Cups with Arsenal.
10. André Schürrle: The Impactful Substitute
André Schürrle played a significant role in Germany’s World Cup victory, particularly in the semi-final against Brazil. He set up Mario Götze for the winning goal in the final. Schürrle’s career included playing for Chelsea, Wolfsburg, and Borussia Dortmund.
Schürrle retired from professional football in 2020 and is involved in various business and investment ventures. His contributions on and off the field reflect his diverse interests and talents.
11. Lukas Podolski: The Fan Favorite
Lukas Podolski, known for his powerful left foot and jovial personality, earned two of his 130 caps in Brazil. Despite limited playing time, his experience and positive attitude made him a valued member of the squad. Podolski played for Cologne, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and various clubs in Italy, Turkey, Japan, and Poland.
Podolski continues to play football in Poland and maintains strong ties to his hometown of Cologne, where he owns a popular kebab shop. His enduring popularity reflects his connection with fans and his contributions to German football culture.
12. Miroslav Klose: The Record-Breaking Striker
Miroslav Klose, the elder statesman of the 2014 squad, became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer during the tournament. His second goal against Brazil secured his place in history. Klose retired from international football after the World Cup but continued playing for Lazio.
Klose began his coaching career with Germany and later became Bayern Munich’s U17 coach. He served as Hansi Flick’s assistant in 2020/21. Since then he took his first role as head coach of a professional side at the start of 2022/23 with Austrian Bundesliga club Altach before taking over Bundesliga 2 side Nuremberg for the 2024/25 season.
Klose’s Lasting Legacy
Klose’s record as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer is a testament to his consistent performance and dedication to the sport. His transition to coaching highlights his ongoing commitment to football.
13. Ron-Robert Zieler: The Reliable Goalkeeper
Ron-Robert Zieler was part of the 2014 World Cup squad but did not play any matches. He has been a regular in Germany’s squads since 2011. Zieler has played for Hannover, Leicester City, and Stuttgart.
Zieler is currently the first-choice goalkeeper for Hannover in Bundesliga 2. His experience and reliability make him a valuable asset to his club.
14. Thomas Müller: The Versatile Attacker
Thomas Müller scored five goals at the 2014 World Cup, bringing his career total to 10. Known for his versatility and off-field humor, Müller is one of the most decorated players in Bundesliga history.
Müller’s contract with Bayern Munich is set to end in the summer of 2025. His contributions to German football are immense, and he remains a key player for both club and country.
15. Julian Draxler: The Young Talent
Julian Draxler was just 20 years old when he joined Germany’s World Cup-winning squad in 2014. He came on as a substitute in the semi-final against Brazil. Draxler has played for Schalke, Wolfsburg, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica and Al-Ahli.
Draxler was a regular member of the national team until 2022. His career reflects his talent and adaptability.
16. Erik Durm: The Promising Full-Back
Erik Durm was part of the 2014 World Cup squad after his first Bundesliga season with Dortmund. He made his debut against Cameroon before the tournament. Durm’s career has been marked by injuries, limiting his appearances for Germany.
After playing for Huddersfield and Eintracht Frankfurt, Durm joined Kaiserslautern in Bundesliga 2. He retired from professional football in 2024.
17. Philipp Lahm: The Captain and Leader
Philipp Lahm captained Germany to victory in the 2014 World Cup. He completed the most passes in the tournament and provided two assists in the semi-final against Brazil. Lahm retired from football in 2017 after a successful career with Bayern Munich.
Lahm was part of the organizing committee for Euro 2024 in Germany. His leadership and contributions to German football are widely recognized.
Lahm’s Influence on German Football
Lahm’s leadership extended beyond his playing abilities. His tactical intelligence and ability to inspire his teammates were crucial to Germany’s success.
18. Per Mertesacker: The Towering Defender
Per Mertesacker played alongside Hummels in the opening games of the 2014 World Cup. He retired from international football after the tournament with 104 caps. Mertesacker retired from playing altogether in 2018 after seven seasons at Arsenal.
He is now in charge of Arsenal’s youth academy. His transition to coaching reflects his commitment to developing young talent.
19. Toni Kroos: The Midfield Maestro
Toni Kroos was a key player in Germany’s midfield during the 2014 World Cup. He scored twice in the semi-final against Brazil. Kroos left Bayern Munich for Real Madrid after the tournament, where he won five Champions League titles and four La Liga titles.
He retired from club and international football after Euro 2024 at the age of 34. His career is marked by numerous trophies and accolades, solidifying his status as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
20. Mario Götze: The Golden Goalscorer
Mario Götze scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final. At 22, Götze had moved from Dortmund to Bayern Munich the previous year. He has since played for Dortmund, PSV Eindhoven and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Götze was recalled to the Germany squad for the 2022 World Cup. His career has seen ups and downs, but his World Cup-winning goal remains a defining moment.
21. Jérôme Boateng: The Versatile Defender
Jérôme Boateng played in all seven matches of the 2014 World Cup, both as a right-back and center-back. He has won numerous trophies with Bayern Munich and has played for Lyon, Salernitana and LASK.
Boateng earned the last of his 76 Germany caps in 2018. His versatility and experience have made him a valuable player throughout his career.
22. Shkodran Mustafi: The Unexpected Inclusion
Shkodran Mustafi made his Germany debut in May 2014 and was recalled to the World Cup squad after Marco Reus’ injury. He played three times in Brazil. Mustafi has played for Valencia, Arsenal, Schalke and Levante.
He won the last of his 20 Germany caps in October 2017 and retired in 2024, going on to work as a coach for Germany’s U17s.
23. Roman Weidenfeller: The Experienced Backup
Roman Weidenfeller was the backup goalkeeper to Manuel Neuer during the 2014 World Cup but did not play any matches. He won two Bundesliga titles and two DFB Cups with Borussia Dortmund. Weidenfeller retired in 2018 and is part of Dortmund’s Legends network and works as a pundit.
24. Christoph Kramer: The Surprise Starter
Christoph Kramer made his senior debut for Germany just a month before the 2014 World Cup. He started in the final against Argentina after Khedira’s injury. Kramer was substituted due to concussion.
Kramer remained at Gladbach in the decade after the World Cup before leaving at the start of the 2024/25 season. He is a highly regarded pundit for Germany TV channel ZDF.
25. Marco Reus: The Unfortunate Absence
Marco Reus was set to play a significant role in the 2014 World Cup but injured his ankle in a warm-up game. Götze held up a Germany shirt with Reus’ name on the back during the celebrations.
Reus played in the 2018 World Cup but was injured again in 2022. He left Dortmund in 2024 to join LA Galaxy.
Reus’ Impact on German Football Despite Absence
Reus’ absence from the 2014 World Cup was a significant loss for Germany. Despite this setback, his contributions to German football have been substantial.
26. Joachim Löw: The Master Tactician
Joachim Löw led Germany to victory in the 2014 World Cup. He was Germany’s assistant coach under Jürgen Klinsmann before taking over in 2006. Löw stayed on as head coach until the end of Euro 2020.
He hasn’t taken on a job since. Löw’s tactical approach and leadership were crucial to Germany’s success.
FAQ: The 2014 Germany Football Team
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Who was the coach of the 2014 Germany football team?
Joachim Löw was the coach of the 2014 Germany football team. -
Who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final?
Mario Götze scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final. -
Who was the captain of the 2014 Germany football team?
Philipp Lahm was the captain of the 2014 Germany football team. -
Which goalkeeper won the Golden Glove at the 2014 World Cup?
Manuel Neuer won the Golden Glove at the 2014 World Cup. -
How many World Cups has Germany won?
Germany has won four World Cups (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014). -
Who was the youngest player in the 2014 Germany squad?
Matthias Ginter was the youngest player in the 2014 Germany squad. -
Who was the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history in 2014?
Miroslav Klose became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history in 2014. -
Which player missed the 2014 World Cup due to injury?
Marco Reus missed the 2014 World Cup due to injury. -
Where was the 2014 FIFA World Cup held?
The 2014 FIFA World Cup was held in Brazil. -
Which team did Germany defeat in the 2014 World Cup final?
Germany defeated Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final.
Germany’s triumph in the 2014 World Cup was a testament to their teamwork, tactical brilliance, and individual talent. The players and coach Joachim Löw created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire football fans around the world.
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