Ballack ruled out of World Cup 2010
Germany’s World cup aspirations have received a severe jolt, as their captain and influential playmaker, mid-fielder Michael Ballack is ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury. The World cup is set to start in South Africa on 11th June.
According to the German Football Federation (DFB) the 34 year old, who has scored 42 gaols for his country injured an ankle in Chelsea's 1-0 FA Cup win over Portsmouth on Saturday, will not be able to play in the World Cup. Ballack limped off during the first half after the tackle by Kevin-Prince Boateng. The DFB made the announcement today, adding that Ballack underwent a scan on Monday, which showed that he had partially torn a ligament in his right leg.
The injured ankle needs to be placed in a cast and he would have to wear a special shoe for two weeks once the cast had been removed. The DFB said it would be eight weeks before he could resume training, which rules him out of the World cup, which starts on June 11.
An early x-ray at the stadium immediately after Chelsea’s win had revealed broken any bones but the 33-year-old midfielder, who has 98 caps, was still worried as he left the ground.
"A diagnosis like this two, three weeks before a World Cup is bitter. But its soccer, it happens and the show must go on" a visibly disappointed Ballack told reporters in Munich.
"Of course the coach Joachim Loew is disappointed. But for now, it is about flying down and then getting used to the thought."
Germany coach Joachim Loew told journalists in Italian Sciacca, where the German squad is currently training that Ballack would not be a part of his team.
"I have spoken to Doctor Mueller-Wohlfahrt (Michael Ballack's doctor) who has spoken to Sepp Schmidt and then informed Michael Ballack that the decision stands that Michael Ballack will definitely not participate in the World Cup".
Loew added, "We are very sad about this. Michael Ballack is a very important player for us, our captain, and of course a world-class player who played a very important role in all the important games. We were sad and shocked this morning."
"I think we are far from resignation. We have many young players and there are situations when important players have to drop out others fill the gap and might just surpass themselves."
Meanwhile the German fans were worried about the unavailability of their captain, a passionate fan Oliver Haecke is still confident about his team’s chances "I think we can still get the title despite Ballack missing. I still think it is possible- whether he is missing or not."
Another fan Benjamin Baum was saddened by Ballack’s injury saying he would be sorely missed:
"He is a great leading player for us and still is. It is a shame he won't be there, he has such leadership qualities. He would have got us far and I think it is sad because he is the centre of the squad and we would have needed him."
The Germans who have won the World cup three times have a relatively easy assignment in the first round of the tournament where they would be facing Australia, Serbia and Ghana in Group D, and Ballack’s injury has at least raised hopes of German opponents. An Australian football team supporter summed up how much of an impact Ballack’s absence would have on the lesser football nations in Group D “I am sure for your team it's not so good, but for any team playing against Germany I think it's good news."
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