Source: Daily_Mail
Germany aren't good enough to win the World Cup, warns skipper Ballack
Michael Ballack believes that Germany cannot be considered as one of the favourites to win the World Cup next summer. [LNB]The Chelsea midfielder and Germany captain believes that getting through the group stage, in which Germany will face Australia, Serbia and Ghana, is going to be a big enough challenge in South Africa.[LNB] Raring to go: Michael Ballack is chasing honours with Chelsea[LNB] 'We do not have the consistency or strength in depth in the squad at the moment,' he told Kicker magazine. [LNB]'Particularly in friendly matches we have been too weak to be able to say that we have the class and routine to beat everybody else.[LNB]Doubts: Germany skipper Ballack[LNB]'You can forget about us having had the luck of the draw - we have a tough group and all three opponents are uncomfortable and physically very strong. [LNB]'We are going to have to put our foot down from the very beginning.' [LNB]Nevertheless, Germany have established a reputation for being a nation who can hit form in the tournament atmosphere. [LNB]They were being written off four years ago in the build-up to the 2006 World Cup after a crushing friendly defeat to Italy, but when it mattered, they managed to reach the semi-finals, where they were only beaten in extra time by the eventual champions.[LNB]'Focusing on (big) games has always been one of the strengths of German teams,' added Ballack.[LNB] Sportsmail's complete fixture guide to the World Cup finals in South AfricaWhere's Johannesburg? Traveller's guide to the finals in South AfricaSportsmail's team-by-team guide to the 32 finalists going to South Africa World Cup blog: South Africa here we come! Countdown is on to dream trip [LNB]
