Germany captain Philipp Lahm has claimed the current side is better than the one that almost reached the World Cup final four years ago.
The Germans open their campaign against Group D rivals Australia in Durban on Sunday, and Lahm is confident his team will not disappoint fans.
"We really want to start with a win," said the 26-year-old Lahm. "It will give the young team even more security. There is even more confidence in the team because we did so well in the warm up games which was not the case back in 2006."
The Germans enjoyed a fine preparation with 3-0 wins over Malta and Hungary before claiming a 3-1 triumph over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Frankfurt prior to travelling to Pretoria.
Despite the absence of experienced skipper Michael Ballack through an ankle injury, Lahm has no doubt in his mind that this team has all the ingredients to succeed.
"I think this is the best German team in which I have played," said Lahm, who has won 65 caps and scored four goals.
"Everyone is excited and ready to play. We have more players who will go on the attack during a 1-1 draw.
"We have more hands-on types, not so typically German."
Source: PA
