It is not hard to see why Germany are so strong. Youth combined with experience, pace combined with skill – they have it all.

Today’s win over European rivals France showed just why Brazil and Argentina fear ze Germans and why they could and probably should go all the way.

Here are three main reasons for their success –

Thomas Muller – Machine

In Thomas Muller, Germany have a player who can do everything in the opposition half and allows the rest of the team to do their jobs.

His goal record speaks for itself both at club level for Bayern Munich and for his country but his work rate and adaptability can be vastly underrated.

For me, player of the tournament so far.

Defence

You look at Brazil, Argentina and Holland and think of their flair and attacking options, but with Germany they have the whole package.

The face they were able to drop the ever reliable Per Mertesacker and still put on a show like that this evening says a lot.

Full backs such as Phil Lahm and the goalkeeper who spends half the game on the halfway line, the trust is there and they are just about as solid as it comes. 

Adaptability

The Germans have so many players who can float between positions and still be just as effective.

Captain Lahm is playing at either right back or central midfield and Muller drifts between the striker slot and midfield, not forgetting the likes of Mesut Ozil and Mario Gotze who must be a devil to mark.

Not forgetting centre back Manuel Neuer either…