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.

Chelsea midfielder Ballack says Gomez’s deputy — Bayern Munich’s Lukas Podolski — is a more than adequate substitute.

“We have to take any injuries in our stride, a striker has dropped out, but the guys who will play can step in seamlessly. We respect our opponents, but we are just focused on getting the win,” said the German captain.

Even without Gomez, the Germans have an abundance of talented strikers to choose from with 21-year-old Podolski, voted the best young player of the 2006 World Cup, boasting an impressive record of 22 goals in 37 internationals.

“We’ll win because we have the better players,” said the confident Podolski, who will partner Schalke 04’s Kevin Kuranyi up front for the Germans.

“If we win, we will have a bit more breathing space,” said national team manager Oliver Bierhoff, looking forward to the next two qualifying games against San Marino and Slovakia in June.

“But if we lose, other teams behind us will be back in it,” he warned.

Germany coach Joachim Low stressed: “I don’t feel any extra pressure. But there is a special feeling. These are the days in football which I am really looking forward to. The Czech Republic are – just like us – favourites in our group. We have respect, but we are not scared.

“We want to be on top of the group after Saturday night and I’m confident we will get it done.”

Karel Bruckner’s Czech Republic will be buoyed by the return of Tomas Rosicky from a groin injury.

The Arsenal schemer was quick to highlight Germany’s shaky defence in the 1-1 draw with Cyprus last November as one area in which his team could capitalise. He said: “They are experienced and good in attack but what they lack is our cleverness. We may surprise their defence. They do sometimes make mistakes and they made one in the game against Cyprus. But they always were and are a very self-confident team. They never give away any fight for the ball, go for everything with their head first. We have to cope with this.”

Czech coach Bruckner has a full compliment of players available for selection including Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, who insisted his team will have the advantage.

Meanwhile Slovakia head into their crucial qualifier against Cyprus knowing that victory is a must if they are to keep alive their hopes of a trip to the tournament proper next year.

Defender Martin Skrtel is confident that a six-point week, starting with their trip to Nicosia on Saturday, will put them right back into contention.

“We are going to play two very difficult games. Cyprus showed its power in home games against Germany and Ireland. We are ready to do our best and win as many points as possible. The games will be played shortly after one another and we should win in Cyprus to have enough self-confidence in Ireland.”