For Werder Bremen’s German internationals, things are just about to get serious. One day before their opening match of the 2010 World Cup against Australia, the players and their team-mates made their way to Durban, where the game will be played on Sunday night. And there they will have a welcome by some special guests. Per Mertesacker and company will be given support of 300 schoolchildren from four different schools who were invited to Germany’s games by the South African organisation committee in collaboration with the nation’s education ministry. The team would like to use this gesture to thank the local population for their hospitableness while offering the kids an unforgettable experience.

Tim Wiese, Per Mertesacker, Marko Marin and Mesut Özil as well as the other 19 German players were all pronounced fit and in top physical condition ahead of the game against Australia. Per Mertesacker is all but guaranteed a spot in the interior defence while Mesut Özil mans the midfield. Tim Wiese will be on the bench as backup keeper. Marko Marin, the lightest player on Germany’s team, does not know yet if his strong showings in Germany’s final test matches are enough for a spot in the starting line-up.

"I am happy to be at this tournament. A World Cup of course is a dream for every footballer," said Marin, who was not afraid to speak about his ambitions. "Of course I would like to play from the start. If necessary though I would try to help the team after getting subbed in. But certainly we are best prepared for the first game."