Toni Kroos all set to shine

The global showdown in South Africa would not be his first FIFA tournament. The Greifswald-born player represented Germany three years ago at the U-17 World Cup in Korea, helping his country to a third-place finish.

With five goals and four assists, he was also awarded the adidas Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament. A modest youngster, who catches the eye with consistent performances in the Bundesliga rather than with tattoos or flamboyant hairstyles, Kroos' star has been in the ascendant ever since his debut in a Germany shirt.