Germany´s Ballack ´all-clear´ for Moscow clash

October 2, 2009

Germany captain Michael Ballack has sent national team coach Joachim Loew an ‘all-clear’ text message saying he is fit to face Russia in their crucial World Cup qualifier, it was revealed Thursday.

Chelsea midfielder Ballack, 33, sat out Wednesday night’s 1-0 Champions League win at Apoel Nicosia with a calf injury, but sent Loew an SMS saying he will be fit for the Group Four clash on October 10 in Moscow.

“I am really glad that he did not play on Wednesday,” admitted Loew.

Germany are just a point ahead of Russia in the qualifying group and a victory in Moscow would guarantee Loew’s side a place in South Africa next June regardless of their last match against Finland in Hamburg on October 14.

But Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff has been working out the logistics of ‘Plan B’ should his side finish the campaign as runner-up to Russia.

A second-place finish in the group would mean Germany face a play-off over two legs against one of the other eight best runners-up from the European qualifying zone.

The draw for the play-offs will be made on October 19 and the games will be played on November 14 and 18.

Should Germany qualify as of right, they will play friendlies against Chile in Cologne on November 14 and Egypt in Gelsenkirchen on November 18.

Loew will announce his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Russia and Finland on Friday.

BERLIN (AFP)

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