Germany risk Ballack to clinch top spot

GERMANY will risk losing Michael Ballack to suspension in tonight’s game against Ecuador in the hope of maintaining their momentum and clinching top spot in Group A to avoid England in the second round.

Ballack already has a yellow card and one more against the in-form South Americans would see Germany’s captain ruled out for the next game.

“Ballack will play whatever the circumstances,” Germany’s assistant coach Joachim Loew confirmed. “We’ll just have a word with him and tell him to avoid making unnecessary fouls.”