Germany's coach Klinsmann.[Reuters]

"The finals are starting at last," Klinsmann said. "We are finally here in Berlin and ready to go. Hopefully we will be here until July 10."

Germany open the World Cup on Friday in Munich against Costa Rica and then face Poland on June 14 and Ecuador six days later.

They had orginally planned to use Leverkusen for their base but Klinsmann demanded a relocation to the capital when he took charge in August 2004.

Germany are residing at the Schlosshotel in the Grunewald district of Berlin.

Such is their confidence, the hosts have booked hotel rooms in Berlin up until July 9 when the final takes place at the Olympic Stadium.

Despite a poor showing under Rudi Voller at Euro 2004 - when Germany failed to win a match - Klinsmann has set the nation the lofty target of securing a fourth World Cup crown.

"We think we have a team that is pyhsically and mentally strong. We are not afraid of anyone and full of confidence," Klinsmann declared.

"It was right to set the target of becoming world champions. Now we have that mental focus."

Germany, then in the guise of West Germany, have won the World Cup on three occasions in 1954, 1974 and 1990.

Under Voller they reached the 2002 final losing 2-0 to Brazil, although that was considered a hugely surprising result from one of the worst German teams in many years.