Germany want to extend the lead in their qualifying group with a win over Wales on Wednesday (20:45), even if their captain might miss out.
“The win over Russia will be worth nothing if we don't follow up with a victory over Wales”, Germany coach Joachim Löw demanded.
Ballack doubtful
Michael Ballack is a major doubt with a calf injury, however. The captain missed this week's training sessions.
“He's getting treatment from our doctors and physios, and everyone hopes that he'll lead the team onto the pitch on Wednesday”, sporting director Oliver Bierhoff hasn't given up yet.
But Torsten Frings (Werder Bremen) at the heart of the German midfield alongside Thomas Hitzlsperger seems to be the more probable line-up, with Bayer Leverkusen's Simon Rolfes another option.
Klose demands concentration
Miroslav Klose demanded “concentration and the right attitude” to secure a good going-in position for the remainder of the qualifying group, starting against Liechtenstein in Leipzig in March.
“Wales are playing a different style compared to Russia. They're a typically British team that plays with dedication and robustness, and they fight till they drop”, Löw commented.
Line-ups as expected:
Germany: Adler - Friedrich, Mertesacker, Westermann, Lahm - Schweinsteiger, Hitzlsperger, Frings (Ballack), Trochowski - Klose, Podolski
Wales: Hennessey - Gunter, Morgan, Williams, Bale - Robinson, Edwards - Davies, Koumas, Bellamy - Evans
Referee: Laurent Duhamel (France)
Ballack doubtful
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