Berlin, June 2: Coach Joachim Loew cut three players while naming Germany's official 23-man World Cup squad here Monday.

Loew has cut three players as the national team coaches had to submit their final squad to FIFA. The German reduced his provisional 26-man squad to 23 by cutting Dortmund's left back Marcel Schmelzer, Sampdoria's defender Shkodran Mustafi and Hoffenheim striker Kevin Volland, reports Xinhua.

"I am really amazed how all players presented themselves in South Tyrol. Each player has done an excellent job. The players implemented what I had hoped for. They made our decision incredibly difficult. Shkodran, Marcel and Kevin are very disappointed. I understand that as they had reasonable hopes to start in Brazil," Loew said.

Loew will rely on tried and tested personnel such as captain Philipp Lahm, Manuel Neuer, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira who will make the trip to Brazil despite injuries.

"I am absolutely convinced of all the players. We have a harmonious blend of young talented players and players with a lot of experience. Our squad is balanced as each position is covered with two players. We fly confidently to Brazil where we have high aims."

The 'Nationalmannschaft' encounter Armenia June 6 for their last friendly before they depart from Frankfurt June 7. They will be staying in the recently built resort called 'Campo Bahia' in Santo Andre.

The Germans encounter Portugal for their first group match June 16.

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover)

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Erik Durm (Borussia Dortmund), Kevin Grobkreutz (Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Hoewedes (FC Schalke 04), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal London)

Midfielders: Julian Draxler (Schalke), Matthias Ginter (Freiburg), Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich), Christoph Kramer (Monchengladbach), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Oezil (Arsenal London), Lukas Podolski (Arsenal London), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Andre Schuerrle (Chelsea), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)

Strikers: Miroslav Klose (Lazio).

IANS