Ballack ready to suffer for Germany

Michael Ballack is prepared to play through the pain barrier for Germany in their opening World Cup clash with Saudi Arabia here on Saturday.

Michael Ballack is prepared to play through the pain barrier for Germany in their opening World Cup clash with Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Ballack, an inspirational figure in Bayer Leverkusen’s unexpected march to the Champions League final, is battling to overcome a bruised right foot.