Ballack: I'm fit to play in opener

Germany captain Michael Ballack has reportedly made himself available for Friday's World Cup curtain-raiser against Costa Rica, just 24 hours after national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann ruled him out of the clash.

A nagging calf injury forced the Chelsea midfielder to pull out of Wednesday's training session – his first of the week – and Klinsmann admitted he would prefer to rest his talisman for the Costa Rica game rather than risk further injury.

But Ballack, who missed the 2002 World Cup final against Brazil, is keen to play in the opening match four years on.

“I am fit, I want to play,” he told Bild. “I am ready and without problems.

“Whether I will be playing or not is up to the national team coach.”

Ballack has been accused of lacking professionalism after waiting more than two days to report the injury, which he sustained in a 3-0 victory over Colombia on June 2.