Germany's Ballack out of opening World Cup qualifiers

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2008

FRANKFURT, Germany (AFP) — Germany captain Michael Ballack has pulled out of forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Finland, the German football federation said on Tuesday.

Ballack's bruised and inflamed left foot means he will have to miss the September 6 clash against Liechtenstein and the game in Finland four days later, the federation added.

The German federation had earlier said Ballack would be out of the first match but that there had been no decision on the Helsinki fixture.

However Loew, speaking at Oliver Kahn's farewell match in Munich, said: "Michael will not be playing against Finland," Loew said. "Because he must have a break of eight or nine days."

The absence of Ballack, who has played 87 times for his country and...