Jeremies tipped for final role

Jens Jeremies is set to be given the job of trying to fill the chasm left in the Germany side by Michael Ballack’s suspension in Sunday’s World Cup final against Brazil.

Jeremies has only had a bit-part role during Germany’s run to the final and although he has figured in all six games, most of his appearances have been as a substitute.

Germany assistant coach Michael Skibbe refused to give too much away, but he did admit that the Bayern Munich midfielder has strong claims.

‘‘We haven’t decided what we will do yet and even if we had, we wouldn’t say for obvious reasons,’’ he said.

‘‘But yes, Jeremies is an excellent alternative. He’s got great international experience.

‘‘He has power inside him and he is always running. If he does come in he would be a very good option for the Brazil game.’’

Skibbe was speaking at Germany’s daily press conference having just arrived back at the team hotel in Seoul after watching Brazil beat Turkey in yesterday’s semi-final in Saitama.

Skibbe was preparing a detailed report for coach Rudi Voller and he feels Brazil’s main strength is their counter-attacking play.

‘‘The most important thing is that we don’t get caught out on the counter-attack,’’ he said.

‘‘That is Brazil’s forte and strong point. They have incredibly fast players.

‘‘That was visible in the match with England. England lost the ball in midfield because the Brazilian players were swarming around like bees.

‘‘They play a very fast flowing, attacking game and on the counter-attack is how they score most of their goals.’’

Skibbe, though, was upbeat about Germany’s chances of beating the four-times champions in Yokohama.

‘‘Brazil have some class individual players - and not just the ’3 Rs’,’’ he said.

‘‘But I’m optimistic. I’m always this way and I was born this way.

‘‘We know Brazil will take it to the limit, but we’ve come so far.

‘‘As a team we have always worked hard and a final is such an incredible challenge and experience.

‘‘Every German player will do their utmost to win.

‘‘Brazil had a very hard time against Turkey last night and Luiz Felipe Scolari and his players will know they will have to produce an exceptional performance to beat us.’’

Germany have no injury worries going into the final and striker Miroslav Klose, who has scored five World Cup goals, has recovered from his bruised ribs.