Ballack: victory is our sole focus

GERMAN captain Michael Ballack insisted yesterday his side are only thinking of victory over the Czech Republic in Prague this afternoon to stay top of Euro 2008 qualifying Group D.

Germany top the table ahead of the Czechs only by virtue of goal difference, and with both sides on ten points there is no margin for error in the race to guarantee qualification.

A win in Prague would put the Germans in the driving seat, but they will be without the suspended Miroslav Klose, while fellow forwards Oliver Neuville, Gerald Asamoah, Mario Gomez and Mike Hanke are all injured. Influential midfielder Tim Borowski is also recovering from injury and defensive duo Arne Friedrich and Clemens Fritz are unavailable due to injury and suspension respectively.