Towering defender Per Mertesacker believes Germany's preference for players to develop at their natural pace has paid dividends in their progress to the World Cup final.
Six of those who lined up in Tuesday's 7-1 demolition of hosts Brazil graduated from the U21 side that won the 2009 European Championships, including goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and midfield linchpin Sami Khedira.
Germany lifted the trophy following a 4-0 defeat of England who, by contrast, took just one representative from that final in Sweden – James Milner – to Brazil this summer.
And Mertesacker, 29, feels ultimate trust in their youth system is the secret to Germany's success.
"It started off in 2009 when we won the U21 tournament and beat England 4-0. I think there's a small link between these two tournaments," said the Arsenal centre back.
"The 2009 tournament was a real turning point. The youth academies started developing well over the last five or six years.
"We have one of the strongest squads I've ever played in. We have two excellent players for every position and everyone believes in each other.
"We have created excellent team spirit during the tournament and with those magnificent players growing up together it makes it easier."
Mertesacker witnessed the first half of this week's extraordinary semi-final from the bench, before replacing Mats Hummels – another of the class of 2009 graduates – at the interval with his side already 5-0 in front.
And the 103-cap veteran admits he could not help but feel a touch of sympathy for the hosts.
"I feel sorry for them," he said. "I experienced that when I played with Germany in 2006 and we got knocked out by Italy in the semi-final.
"The expectations are big here in Brazil and to carry those is not easy. You could see that and we took advantage of it because there was a bit too much pressure on them and I feel sorry for everyone."
