Oliver Kahn: 'Germany can win the World Cup'

Former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has claimed that Germany have a good chance of lifting the World Cup in Brazil next year.

Kahn, who was part of the side beaten in the 2002 World Cup final, believes that the squad of players are now ready to make a challenge.

The veteran shot-stopper insists that the players' success in European football, with both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund making the Champions League final last season, can give them a boost in the tournament.

"Successes like in the Champions League give the players the decisive kick," Kahn told reporters.

"That gives them the conviction that, by getting the better of the best in Europe, then they can also become World Champions."

Since the defeat in 2002, Germany have reached the semi-finals on two occasions.