Johann Wadephul said it was "no secret" Russia had stirred up sentiment against Germany over its support for Ukraine.

The core of the team is a well-known trio: Caicedo of Chelsea, Arsenal’s Hincapie and Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Willian Pacho. All three are aged 24 and graduated from Independiente del Valle’s academy. They personify the blend of technical quality and physicality which runs through the team.

Germany has announced fully-funded scholarship opportunities for Kenyan students, offering a generous monthly allowance of approximately KSh 150,000.

The memories of two successive World Cup group-stage exits weigh heavily on the Germany team before another attempt at restoring lost pride.

As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique football culture

The Pentagon is expected to cancel a plan to send Tomahawk missiles to Germany partly because officials are concerned Russia will view it as an escalation, a startling reversal of a long-planned agreement with one of America’s biggest allies.

Though four-time winners, Germany's last World Cup knockout match was the victorious final of 2014. Two group exits followed, painting a picture of faded glory.

Germany and Mexico intend to work together more closely to combat organized crime such as drug cartels, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul following consultations of the German-Mexican bilateral commission in Mexico City.