Brand loyalty

Brand believes that the "usual suspects" will contest the final in Cologne on February 4.

He said: "European champions France are potentially super but also world champions Spain, Olympic winners Croatia and perhaps Denmark will also be at the forefront."

Brand was not drawn on the chances of his side but right wing Florian Kehrmann is aiming for gold.

The TBV Lemgo ace said: "Our goal is to become world champions and there is no better motivation than playing in a home World Championship."

Playmaker Markus Baur added: "With home advantage anything is possible."

Croat right wing Mirza Dzomba has admitted his side's hopes rest largely on Ivano Balić.

"Without Balic nothing works", said Dzomba of the 2006 European Championship MVP.

The tournament begins on Friday with hosts Germany facing Poland in Berlin and Croatia open their campaign against Morocco a day later.