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Germans face wait over Ballack

15/10/2008

Germany head coach Joachim Loew is awaiting the results of a late fitness test to determine whether captain Michael Ballack will be fit to face Wales this evening.

The two teams, who currently sit first and second in World Cup qualifying group four, face off in Monchengladbach with top spot up for grabs.

However, the hosts may be without the inspirational Chelsea midfielder for the game as he is still struggling with a calf injury.

And Loew has insisted the game against the Welsh will be a tough challenge because of the high work-rate of John Toshack's side.

"We know they can defend very well," the German coach said.

"They are a typical British team - very robust, determined with a lot of energy."

Meanwhile Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff has insisted that the loss of Ballack would be a problem for the team, especially given the opposition.

"We will not underestimate the Welsh," said Bierhoff.

"We do that at our peril. You cannot say 'it is only Wales so we can do without Ballack'."

Wales have won two of their opening three games in the group after beating Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein without conceding a goal, although they fell to an unlucky 2-1 defeat in Russia thanks to a late winner for the hosts.

Germany top the group with seven points from their opening three games against Liechtenstein, Finland and Russia.