Germany's soccer squad surprises

Germany's U21 captain and Hoffenheim's leading light Kevin Volland has been called up by Löw for the first time. He could replace the omitted Mario Gomez, although with a numer of versatile options in midfield, it seems unlikely that he will be playing in Brazil this summer.

Fiorentina striker Mario Gomez has failed in his latest attempt to be fit in time for the World Cup. Joachim Löw has decided on other attacking options for the tournament. The striker has struggled with knee injuries all season, last playing against Napoli at the end of March.

Augsburg's Andre Hahn was included but never made an appearance in Germany's squad back in March, but that hasn't stopped Joachim Löw from selecting him in his provisional World Cup squad. Hahn, who will be playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach next season, would complete a meteroic rise were he to be on the plane to Brazil.

Schalke also saw another attacking midfielder called up in the form of 18-year-old Max Meyer (left). The youngster has made a number of appearances for Germany at youth Level, but his call up comes after a sterling arrival onto the Bundesliga scene.

Schalke 04's Bundesliga starlet Leon Goretzka was another surprise inclusion. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has made 24 Bundesliga appearances this season, although he may not be in the final 23.

Freiburg's Matthias Ginter hasn't been in his best form but has sparkled enough for Joachim Löw to select him. The central defender made 133 Bundesliga clearances this season and will be hoping to demonstrate his quality once more after making his international debut back in March against Chile.

Having initially been called up to Germany's squad in March, Sampdoria's central defender Shkodran Mustafi has also been picked in Löw's 30-man squad. Despite impressing in Series A, it would also be a surprise were he to be on the plane to Brazil.

Borussia Dortmund's left-back Erik Durm has made sensational progress this season and according to Löw "deserves to be" involved. The 21-year-old has made 29 appearances this season, including seven in the Champions League, although whether he will be in the final 23 remains to be seen.

Hamburg's goalkeeper Rene Adler has not been selected by Joachim Löw. However, having conceded 60 goals in 29 Bundesliga games, his omission is perhaps not as surprising as first considered. The last of his 12 caps came in May 2013 when Germany beat Ecuador 4-2 in a friendly.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was Löw's choice of third goalkeeper. Hannover 96's Ron-Robert Zieler, who has kept only 6 league clean sheets this season (of a possible 33) was selected alongside clear number one Manuel Neuer and Dortmund's Roman Weidenfeller.