Germany will begin a two-week public relations campaign directed at domestic and overseas soccer fans when they take on underdogs Australia in their opening Group A match at the Confederations Cup on Wednesday.
Germany need to convince local supporters that they have a chance of winning the World Cup they are hosting next year, while showing the outside world that the country will be up to the demands of staging the 32-team tournament.
For coach Juergen Klinsmann, the match at the new Waldstadion in Frankfurt is a chance to put his faith in the team's aggressive style to the test, after a diet of friendly matches since he took over in late July.
"Our philosophy is very clearly weighted towards attack, with our speed and readiness to run at our opponents," said Klinsmann, who can look forward to further group games against Argentina and Tunisia.
"We'll continue to practise all the things we've been working on for the past 10 months and we won't change our plans if we make one or two small mistakes.
"The players have worked hard and that brings you self-confidence."
Klinsmann needs a good start in Germany's first competitive action since a deflating first-round exit at Euro 2004.
The defence has been criticised after a 2-2 draw with Russia in the side's last friendly. Klinsmann must decide whether to play Patrick Owomoyela at right back or bring in Bernd Schneider to give an inexperienced backline more authority.
Bastian Schweinsteiger secured his place in midfield with a two-goal performance against Russia and Lukas Podolski, the other exciting young prospect in the squad, should start up front alongside Kevin Kuranyi.
Australia have played well in the Confederations Cup on two previous occasions, reaching the final in 1997 and finishing third four years later.
Coach Frank Farina is hoping to have Mark Viduka fit enough after a hamstring injury to lead the forward line, with John Aloisi pushing hard to partner him.
"The Germans are in a similar position to us," said Aloisi from the team's hotel in Frankfurt.
"They haven't played proper international games for the last year or two so they'll be looking forward to showing everyone that they'll be ready for the World Cup. Let's just hope they're not ready against us."
The Confederations Cup continues until June 29. World champions Brazil are in Group B along with Mexico, Greece and Japan.
Probable teams:
Germany: 1-Oliver Kahn; 19-Bernd Schneider, 3-Arne Friedrich, 17-Per Mertesacker, 16-Thomas Hitzlsperger; 10-Sebastian Deisler, 8-Torsten Frings, 13-Michael Ballack, 7-Bastian Schweinsteiger; 22-Kevin Kuranyi, 20-Lukas Podolski
Australia: 1-Mark Schwarzer; 2-Kevin Muscat, 3-Craig Moore, 6-Tony Popovic, 4-Lucas Neill; 7-Brett Emerton, 8-Josip Skoko, 10-Tim Cahill, 11-Scott Chipperfield; 19-John Aloisi, 9-Mark Viduka
Referee: Carlos Amarilla (Paraguay)
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