On Monday, the 36-year-old showed he could also be a good loser, as he accepted defeat in his personal battle with Jens Lehmann and vowed to fight on for the good of the team.

Four years on from his heroics in leading Germany to the final of the 2002 World Cup, Kahn lost his place as the country's number one to the in-form Arsenal keeper Lehmann.

It was a cruel blow for the Bayern Munich man, who was named player of the tournament in South Korea and Japan.

Juergen Klinsmann's decision had been widely expected to lead to Kahn's retirement but instead he accepted the role of second choice goalkeeper for the tournament running from June 9 to July 9.

"This can't be about personal vanity," Kahn said. "It's about something much bigger - a World Cup on home soil. It's important for the team that I should be there."

Klinsmann was quick to salute that magnanimity, which came three days after the coach announced his decision.

"A huge compliment to Oliver," Klinsmann said. "His experience and willingness to stay and help us have a successful World Cup are really important."

Kahn has won the Champions League, six league titles, four German Cups, one UEFA Cup and one World Club Cup, but he has also had his share of disappointment.

HEARTBREAKING FASHION

He made his Germany debut in 1995 but had to wait until the retirement of Andreas Koepke after the World Cup in France three years later before he could claim the number one slot.

In 1999, Kahn was in goal for Bayern Munich when they lost the Champions League final to Manchester United in such heartbreaking fashion.

His first major tournament as first choice keeper was a failure, as Germany were knocked out of the European Championship in the first round in 2000.

Two years later, Germany were not expected to go much further but a series of breathtaking saves from Kahn, notably in a 1-0 victory over the United States in the quarter-finals, helped them reach the final.

Kahn was named the player of the tournament but there was no personal satisfaction to be had: his one real mistake of the tournament gifted Ronaldo an easy chance to score the first of his two goals in a 2-0 win for Brazil.

Germany were first round losers again at Euro 2004 and when Klinsmann came in Kahn lost first the captaincy and finally his place in the team.

Kahn cuts such an aggressive figure on the pitch, bawling at referees and team mates, shoving opponents, that his tone at Monday's news conference came as something of a surprise.

"I'm not the sort of person who can't lose," Kahn said. "The whole team, including Jens Lehmann, will have my full support."

That decision will be as welcome to Klinsmann as it was unexpected. Germany need all the support they can get.