Rising to the occasion has always been a German specialty and a reputation for being battlers, rather than artists, has never stopped the traditional heavyweights from collecting plenty of silverware over the years.

Struggling against so-called minnows and leaving it late to book their place in a major tournament is typically German and does not mean they will prove a damp squib on the pitches of Portugal next month.

More worrying, perhaps, was the way they were outplayed by holders France, who crushed the Germans 3-0 in a friendly last November in Gelsenkirchen with a superb attacking display.

The defeat was a blow to morale but the triple world and European champions can step up a gear when they need to.

They did just that at the 2002 World Cup and at times in the Euro qualifiers, battling for a 2-1 win over Scotland before finishing off with a 3-0 victory over Iceland, who led the group at one stage.

A February outing which ended in a 2-1 friendly win over Croatia in February in Split, was nothing special but was welcomed by coach Rudi Voeller as a good way to start a crucial year.

Their 3-0 win over Belgium in another friendly in Cologne in March and a 5-1 defeat of Romania in Bucharest last month also underlined their strength. Any opponent under-estimates Germany at their own peril.

However, Germany will have to raise their game again to avoid another embarrassment after making a shock first-stage exit from Euro 2000 but they can turn to recent history for inspiration, having reached the 2002 World Cup final after needing a playoff to qualify.

RESTORED PRIDE

"The experience of coming from behind in the group is extremely important for my young players and it will help them take their game to the next level," said Voeller, who restored Germany's pride after taking over in the wake of the Euro 2000 flop.

The normally unflappable Voeller lost his cool once in the campaign, after a dismal 0-0 draw with Iceland in September left his team in danger of not making it to Portugal.

The former Germany striker lashed out at his media critics in a expletive-filled outburst, calling their analysis of Germany's weaknesses "a load of crap."

Voeller then had to hear fellow former German international Felix Magath, now the VfB Stuttgart coach, suggest it might be better if Germany did not qualify because that might make them realise that drastic changes were needed.

Magath's remarks irritated Voeller, who has introduced changes, promoting a handful of talented young players, notably defender Andreas Hinkel and striker Kevin Kuranyi, both from VfB Stuttgart.

Voeller, who helped Germany to lift the World Cup in 1990 as a striker and knows an exciting forward when he sees one, also expects plenty from TSV 1860's Benjamin Lauth, whom he described as the German striker with the greatest potential.

The defence, traditionally one of Germany's strongest assets, has looked shaky lately but young blood is available there too, not only in Hinkel but also in his Stuttgart team mate Philipp Lahm, who made a promising debut against Croatia.

GOALKEEPING RIFT

Voeller can also rely on several experienced players and an inspirational playmaker in Michael Ballack, who showed once again in the qualifying campaign how vital he is to the team.

Ballack alone is no guarantee of scintillating midfield play and Voeller could use a few more creative players.

He does have enough goalkeepers, although relations between Bayern Munich's Oliver Khan and Arsenal's Jens Lehmann are strained.

Lehmann, the frustrated reserve, caused an uproar in February by saying he felt he was better than Kahn and should be first choice.

Voeller reacted by backing Kahn, his captain and a great motivator, while Lehmann has done himself few favours with a number of well-publicised errors for Arsenal this season.

Germany have never been a side to thrill the crowds but they remain intimidating opponents with a history to live up to. The 2006 World Cup on home soil will also serve as a great incentive to perform well.

World Cup-winning captain and coach Franz Beckenbauer, now the president of the organising committee for the 2006 finals, said the team he once graced could shine in Portugal.

"We must continue the hard work but we can win if we get everything right," he said.