Germany 60-40 favourites to see off Argentinean challenge, says Ballack

MICHAEL BALLACK believes Germany have a “60-40” chance of beating Argentina in their World Cup quarter-final clash today.

The tournament hosts have been riding on a wave of euphoria following four impressive wins in as many matches, while Argentina have solidified their status as the number one contender courtesy of a string of strong performances.

Ballack admitted it was a shame that the two powerhouses had to meet at an early stage but vowed his troops had “nothing to worry about”.

“We are not afraid, even though the opponent is Argentina and besides, Brazil have been the best team in this tournament,” the midfielder said.

“But after our most recent performances we do not need to hide ourselves. The team is in very confident mood and we know we have a big chance to defeat them.”

Germany have not beaten a so-called big nation in almost six years as their last win was in October 2000 when they beat England 1-0 in Wembley.

They have lost 10 and drawn six of their meetings with top international opposition ever since, but at least held Argentina to two 2-2 draws in the first half of 2005.

“We played well against them,” said Ballack.

“We want to reach the next round. We have the hunger to play three more matches and that is why our chances are 60-40. We are not worried.”

The 29-year-old, who just like four-goal hero Miroslav Klose missed the two encounters last year, sat out training on Tuesday through a foot problem but says he will be ready to go come game time.

Meanwhile, coach Jurgen Klinsmann claimed Germany’s performances have proven that they are finally “able to keep up with the big nations again”.

He said: “Our self-confidence is based on six weeks of hard work and we feel we are ready to beat a team like Argentina. We have the utmost respect for them but we know what we are capable of doing.”

The Germany boss is not expected to change the winning team from the 2-0 victory over Sweden, meaning Lukas Podolski and Klose, who have combined for seven goals thus far, will feature up front, with Ballack and Torsten Frings pulling the strings in midfield.

Argentina will go into today’s quarter-final determined to honour the memory of their World Cup-winning side of 1986.

Twenty years ago, Diego Maradona inspired the team to victory over West Germany in the final in Mexico.

The Germans took revenge four years later, making it one each in the run-up to today’s match in Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

Argentina coach Jose Pekerman sees a connection between the 1986 vintage and the current crop.

He said: “This side has some similarities to the old team: the way they play, some of the positions the players take up. We will go out to try and honour the team that won in 1986 — and we know just how difficult it is to get the final. This team is trying to make history again.”

Pekerman still has doubts over midfielder Luis Gonzalez and right-back Nicolas Burdisso, who missed the 2-1 win over Mexico due to injury.

He added: “We’ll wait until the last moment to see if they recover before I decide on the starting XI.”

“But we have great strength in depth. Argentina’s strength is in the entire squad and their attitude is superb. That makes me optimistic.”