German Football Association (DFB) president Dr Theo Zwanziger reflected on an "incredible journey" ahead of the 100th anniversary of Germany's first match, a 5-3 loss to Switzerland on 5 April 1908.
Becker opener
A crowd of 3,500 braved a hailstorm to watch the match at the Sportplatz Landhof in Basel and they saw Fritz Becker put Germany ahead with his country's first goal. Switzerland quickly hit back and went into the interval 3-1 in front before the teams shared four goals after the break. Since then, Germany have seen more ups than downs, winning the FIFA World Cup in 1954, 1974 and 1990 and the UEFA European Championship in 1972, 1980 and 1996. From 1952, the team was known as West Germany for 38 years until 12 September 1990 when they defeated Belgium 2-0 in the first international match following reunification.
'Successful run'
"We've had quite a successful run," Zwanziger said. "Eight years after the DFB was founded, the national team played its inaugural game. Just think about of the achievements that were triggered by football in Germany, especially after World War II. Football always moved the people living here, either because of the many major triumphs or our defeats. We have really had an incredible journey."
Matthäus record
Germany's biggest victory was 16-0 against Russia on 1 July 1912; their worst defeat was against rivals England, 9-0 on 16 March 1909. To mark the anniversary, the 'Club of former national players' will be founded on 5 April. It will have 630 members, including Germany's most capped player Lothar Matthäus who made a record 150 appearances for his countr
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