Mario Gomez scored three goals in three tricky games to add to his Bayern Munich 2011/12 tally of 41, so when Miroslav Klose started ahead of him in the quarter-final against Greece, most assumed that it was a case of the first-choice forward being given a rest.
Klose isn't convinced though, admitting in the build-up to tonight's semi-final with Italy: "I am assuming that I will play. That's what I am preparing for in any case."
The idea of keeping Euro 2012's joint top scorer - and the 1.9110/11 favourite to finish the tournament with that honour - on the bench might sound absurd, but don't be surprised if it comes to pass.
Germany's top tabloid Bild are allowing readers the opportunity to "be Jogi" Low and pick the side that they would choose to take on the Azzurri tonight and, in addition to Marco Reus being favoured over Thomas Muller, more fans are choosing Klose than Gomez.
The irrepressible 34-year-old's case is helped by a fine year with Lazio in Serie A, the division often labelled Europe's toughest to score in. A record of almost a goal every other league appearance made it his most prolific at club level since leaving Werder Bremen in for Bayern Munich in 2007.
The most memorable moment was an injury-time winner in his first Rome derby, cementing his reputation as a man for the big occasions. Those in the Gomez camp will note though that he hasn't fired past any of Italy's likely back five - admittedly a Juventus heavy group - since the opening day.
Other arguments for Klose to retain his place include his greater all-round contribution - which becomes more significant as the competition progresses - the theory that he links up better with Mesut Ozil and the fact that he grabbed Germany's only goal when these nations met last year.
Odds of 7.413/2 on Klose breaking the deadlock to Gomez's 6.411/2 suggest that Betfair punters aren't convinced that Low will stick with him, and it could be a while before confirmation arrives.
After news of his triple change up front was leaked before the Greece match, the theory being that the mole was the representative or relative of a squad member rather than a player himself, Low is leaving it late to tell them who will start.