Beckenbauer advises against playing Ballack in opener

Jun 9, 2006, 13:25 GMT

Munich - Franz Beckenbauer became embroiled in the row over German captain Michael Ballack's calf injury Friday, advising coach Juergen Klinsmann not to play him in the opening match against Costa Rica.

'Calf injuries can be dangerous. You have to be very careful. If something happens to him at this stage the World Cup is over for him,' said the former German international and national team manager.

Ballack late Thursday contradicted Klinsmann, who earlier in the day said that the midfielder would not be able to play in Friday's opener.

Ballack told the newspaper Bild that he wanted to play. 'I have had intensive treatment and I have no pain. I want to play.

'I have no pain and I have told the coach that. It is up to him whether he lets me play or not.'

Ballack injured a muscle in his right calf in a friendly international against Colombia last Friday but reportedly did not seek medical treatment until the following Monday.

He has been unable to complete a full training session since then and did not train with the team in Munich's stadium Thursday evening.

Earlier Thursday Klinsmann said at the final press conference ahead of Friday's game that Ballack, 29, would not be able to play against Costa Rica.

Klinsmann was due to announce the the German squad later Friday.