Injured Michael Ballack insists Germany must reach World Cup semi-finals
Michael Ballack(credit:
free-ers)
Injured midfielder Michael Ballack has warned Germany they will be seen as failures unless they reach the World Cup semi-finals.
Ballack, who will miss the tournament after suffering an ankle injury in a challenge by Kevin-Prince Boateng during the FA Cup final, claims the squad must cope with his absence.
The Chelsea man told Stern: “Our team will have to push itself to the limit to beat big nations in the knockout phase and that was also the case before my withdrawal – it’s still the case.
“Germany is a nation which must always win. You really have to suffer to get to the point where the real suffering begins. You are only respected when you win.
“This is brutal for sportspeople, particularly for youngsters. That will be the case for our players in South Africa.
“It’s awful for the team when they can only really enjoy the tournament from the semi-finals.
“Anything else would mean failure. To start with the aim is purely to avoid a catastrophe. That does push you and motivate you, but it’s a merciless game.”
Germany are 5/1 with Bet365 to exit the World Cup at the semi-final stage, 12/1 (SkyBet, Boylesports, Betfred) to be runners up and 16/1 (Ladbrokes) to win the tournament.