First off was the game against Greece, which saw Sebastian Deisler and Mehmet Scholl score in a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Next came the crucial game against England, the last to be played at the old Wembley Stadium.
Dietmar Hamann's first half free-kick strike earned the visitors three points and a massive psychological blow.
The Germans resumed their campaign with an arduous 2-1 win at home to Albania, with Deisler again scoring a crucial goal.
Famed for their efficient approach to playing the beautiful game, the Germans were involved in a six goal thriller with Greece, ending up on the right side of a 4-2 result.
Despite twice taking the lead only to see the Greeks equalise, the Germans had enough quality to gain victory, with Michael Ballack instrumental again.
But the first signs that the three-time winners were not solid as usual came in their visit to Finland.
The hosts took a two goal lead in the first half thanks to goals from Mikael Forssell, the Chelsea striker who had spent most of the season on loan to Crystal Palace.
Germany battled back to draw, with goals from Ballack and Jancker.