Before the FIFA Confederations Cup kicked off it wouldn't have come as much of a surprise to see Germany on the podium holding the Confederations Cup aloft and that is indeed what happened. Lars Stindl was on hand to score an easy tap in to conclude an impressive Confederations Cup outing for the world champions.
The win was made all the more impressive as Joachim Löw named a raw and youthful side consisting mostly of less known players. Löw preferred to leave out star names Thomas Mueller, Mesut Özil, Tony Kroos, Manuel Neuer and Matts Hummels.
The selections proved to be on the money as the young side played with a poise and calmness which couldn't be upset by their lack of experience. In Sunday's final the Germans remained resolute as Chile made a fast start dominating much of the possession in the first 20 minutes of the game before pouncing on a defensive mistake by the South American champions to take the lead and threatened to extend the lead on a number of occasions as they caught Chile on the break throughout the game.
The win for the Germans makes them the first European winners of the Confederations Cup since France last won it in 2001 and 2003.
This also extends Germany's record at major tournaments as they have reached the semi finals or final in seven out of the last eight major international tournaments making them the most consistent team in international football.
Much of their consistency at tournaments can be put down to two factors: player development and cohesion of their sides from 2006 up until present. The system in the German national side works like a conveyor belt setting up a platform for future of German football stars. This is already evident as the junior side recently won the under 21 European champions.
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