By DAN KARELL
Germany head coach Joachim Löw has selected only one recognizable center forward in his final squad for the World Cup.
Following Germany’s 2-2 draw with Cameroon on Sunday, Löw cut three players from his team to finalize the 23-man roster, which includes superstars Mesut Özil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Marco Reus. Löw included injury doubts Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Schweinsteiger, and Sami Khedira.
However, the choice to cut forward Kevin Volland, along with Shkodran Mustafi and Marcel Schmelzer, has left Germany with just Klose, 36, as their lone striker up top. Löw has played in the past with Mario Götze in a false No. 9 role and players such as Lukas Podolski, Andre Schürrle and Julian Draxler could play up top as well if needed.
Germany has one final tune-up match on Friday against Armenia in Mainz before heading over to Brazil. Germany will open up Group G action on June 16 against Portugal.
Here’s a look at Germany’s 23-man roster:
GERMANY 2014 WORLD CUP SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover)
DEFENDERS: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Erik Durm (Borussia Dortmund), Kevin Grosskreutz (Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Howedes (FC Schalke), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal)
MIDFIELDERS: Julian Draxler (Schalke), Matthias Ginter (Freiburg), Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich), Christoph Kramer (Borussia Monchengladbach), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Lukas Podolski (Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Andre Schurrle (Chelsea), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)
FORWARD: Miroslav Klose (Lazio).
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What do you think of this squad? Surprised Löw only selected one forward? Think this team is strong enough to win the tournament? Do you expect Lahm and Neuer to be fit for the World Cup opener?
Share your thoughts below.