Hamann wants World Cup for Ballack

Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann has vowed to win the World Cup for suspended hero Michael Ballack.

Ballack put aside his disappointment at picking up a booking which has ruled him out of Sunday’s final in Yokohama to score the only goal against South Korea in the semi-final.

Hamann claims the team are indebted to Ballack, who also scored the winner in the quarter--final against the United States, and he said: "He has scored two winning goals in the last two games and it’s a pity he can’t play on Sunday.

"We have to go out on Sunday and try and win the cup for him."

The Liverpool midfielder praised Ballack’s character for the way he responded to the booking by scoring just four minutes later.

"Everybody knew he had been booked going into the game and that a second booking would mean he couldn’t play on Sunday," he said.

"When he got booked it was 0-0 and he had the power and stamina to keep on playing and score the winning goal.

"He’s a strong player. He’s had a fantastic season and unfortunately he will miss the World Cup final, which is very disappointing.

"He’s a great player and a great character and it’s just disappointing he can’t play on Sunday."

Defender Christoph Metzelder agreed with Hamann and he said: "It was a necessary foul, but we’re disappointed that he will not be playing with us in the final.

"We will play even harder to make up for his absence."

Ballack claims his team-mates can cope without him and he feels Germany against Brazil would be a great final.

"We are missing some very important players at this World Cup, but we also know their replacements will be just as good," he said.

"After all on a European club basis German teams have gone very far this season. My own team Bayer Leverkusen have gone to the final of the Champions League and Borussia Dortmund have gone to the UEFA Cup final.

"We knew we were worth something and we believed in ourselves. We were disappointed with the criticism levelled at us for lack of flair and style.

"It’s very satisfying that we have proved them wrong.

"Germany against Brazil could be a classic and we have never met in a World Cup final.

"It would be nice to meet Brazil, but you must not underestimate the Turkish team and they had a phenomenal quarter-final against Senegal."

Oliver Bierhoff joined in the tributes for Ballack and he said: "It’s a big disappointment for him.

"He scored a very important goal against the States and again tonight.

"He’s very a important player. He did a foul which was important for the team and now he can’t play in the final."

While Germany must do without Ballack, Oliver Neuville will be free to play after FIFA confirmed the striker was mistakenly booked against the United States.

The yellow card has been transferred to Jens Jeremies, which means that Neuville is eligible for the final even though he was cautioned against Korea.