in this thread, including the sharp change in style that began under Klinsmann:

http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2014/07/14/german-soccer-style-revolution-since-1990-world-cup-to-the-2014-world-cup-jurgen-klinsmann-joachim-loew-changed-german-football-machine-to-the-beautiful-game-goetze-game-winning-goal-gif/

Excerpt:

"For decades, German soccer established itself as a force that was perpetually successful, yet constantly overshadowed. Their previous World Cup wins were testament to this idea. In 1954, West Germany's miraculous first World Cup triumph came at the expense of the more memorable Hungarian "Golden Team."...the 1974 West German champions...legacy was never equal to that of Johan Cruyff and the Netherlands team, practicing their influential "total football."

"The 1990 champions were themselves usurped in popular memory by the stars of the teams that they beat...

"German teams...have been often perceived as "efficient," or "ruthless," or simply "ruthlessly efficient."

"...the German national team, despite becoming one of the most successful in history, were not seen as "good champions,"... No neutral fan would root for the Germans, with their so-called boring, physical style of play, not to mention the theatrics (aka the diving).

"[After] a dismal first round exit in Euro 2004...German soccer administrators made a bold choice in naming former star forward Jurgen Klinsmann the head coach...Promising a new-look, attacking brand of soccer...coaches started to tap into a larger revolution already ongoing in the development of German young players.

"Germany finished third in the 2006 World Cup, but overachieved against pessimistic expectations. They delighted and astonished the world with their newfound ability to play attractive soccer..."

"Few coaches would have had the guts and confidence to initiate the tactical and selection shifts like Klinsmann...The fact is that their style has changed since 1990, and we're all better for it."