Germany entered the World Cup with expectation at an all-time low, harsh criticism being fired at California-based coach Jurgen Klinsmann, and the embarrassment of a 4-1 friendly defeat at the hands of Italy still fresh in the memory.

Three weeks later, however, the national side had emerged as one of the favourites for World Cup glory and only two late goals from a resurgent Italian side ended the dream in a classic semi-final.

So where did Germany's World Cup go right?

From the minute left-back Philipp Lahm curled an exquisite strike into the top corner just six minutes into the opener with Costa Rica, the Germans continued to prove their critics wrong as their attacking football saw them top the scoring charts with 11 goals.

One of only four sides to win all three games in their group, Germany fed off the nation's growing belief as they powered towards the last four. Klinsmann showed throughout that he was not afraid to use bold substitutions in pursuit of victory, with the pacy duo of Oliver Neuville and David Odonkor frequently deployed late in games.

They also showed their mental resolve in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out win over Argentina, scoring all four penalties with ease.

Indeed, only Italy's amazing extra-time performance prevented another penalty lottery in the semi-final, and with an amazing record of 17 successes from 18 attempts in World Cup shoot-outs it would have taken a brave punter to bet against yet another German victory.

While Paolo Wanchope took advantage of some awful German defending to score twice in the opener, the back four improved to such an extent that Jens Lehmann was not beaten again until the last eight clash with Argentina.

The pairing of Per Mertesacker and Christoph Metzelder in particular improved beyond recognition throughout the tournament.

Klinsmann's decision to start with Arsenal goalkeeper Lehmann ahead of fans' favourite Oliver Kahn brought him much criticism ahead of the tournament, but even his harshest critic would have to admit the choice was correct after a series of fine displays.

Lehmann was the hero in the penalty shoot-out win over Argentina, saving the kicks from Roberto Ayala and Esteban Cambiasso, and was blameless for the goals scored by Italy.

In midfield, Chelsea's new signing Michael Ballack may have failed to add to his tally of 31 international strikes during the tournament but showed that there is more to his game than goals.

A master of possession football, Ballack was the driving force during the team's rare moments of adversity, such as the laboured defeat of Poland and when behind against Argentina.

Two-footed, Ballack also showed a superb range of passing at the heart of the German side.

In Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose, Klinsmann also possessed arguably the best front two of the World Cup.

Klose's impressive tally of five goals, which took him to 10 goals in the last two World Cups, was ably backed up by his young partner's three strikes, including both goals in the 2-0 defeat of Sweden.

Klose's heading ability and predatory instincts proved the perfect foil to Podolski's pace and movement. As with the rest of the German side, the pair may have entered the tournament to little fanfare but certainly left it to great applause.

Klinsmann's future is as unsure as ever, but while the German media were calling for his head just a month ago, now he is being begged to stay, even winning Franz Beckenbauer's vote of approval.

He may not have emulated Beckenbauer's achievement of winning the trophy as both player and manager, but Klinsmann can safely say that his side of 2006 surpassed all expectations.