Ballack Out Of World Cup

Germany captain Michael Ballack ruled out of World Cup

Germany captain Michael Ballack has been ruled out of the World Cup because of the ankle injury he sustained in Saturday's FA Cup final.

The 33-year-old Chelsea midfielder has made 98 appearances for his country and played in the last two World Cups.

A scan revealed a partially torn ligament but it is expected to be eight weeks before he can resume training and Germany's first match is on 13 June.

He was injured after a challenge by Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Ironically, Boateng could be part of the Ghana squad that will face Germany in Group D at the finals in South Africa.

The former Tottenham player was born in Germany and represented German youth teams but chose to play for Ghana, his father's country of birth.

After Fifa removed the age limit for players who want to switch national allegiance, the 23-year-old was cleared to appear for Ghana in the finals and has been named in a provisional 30-man squad.

The Portsmouth midfielder's late tackle in the 35th minute of Chelsea's Cup final victory at Wembley led to Ballack limping off.

An early X-ray at the stadium showed no broken bones but a further scan in Germany on Monday highlighted the full extent of the problem.

The German Football Federation said Ballack's right ankle will be placed in a cast and he will have to wear a special shoe for two weeks after the cast is removed.

A Chelsea statement confirmed: "The German national team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, estimates the earliest possible return to training for the player is in eight weeks."



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8684774.stm

Ah, thats a shame isn't it!

Hahaha!

Must be F***ing gutting as a player.

The more out the better for England though I suppose.

what a shame!

Can't say I'm sad about this especially since the Germans are in Australia's group.

Tell you the funny thing?

Kevin Prince Boateng is playing for Ghana. In Germany's World Cup group.

He is a good player, only a few seasons left in him for sure.

He will be retired by 35

He's past his prime, isn't he?

Must have been a kick in the teeth for that to happen weeks before the tournament starts.

Dont like him at all! Used to be a great player though!
Im certainly not comin on here to laugh at him as thats just harsh! And that c**t boateng should be threw in jail for the tackle! Was a horrendous challenge!

The CURSE has been Broken

Now they may win the WC.

Would have liked him in the World Cup. Agreed that he is slightly out of his prime, but what is a World Cup without stars? Hate when players get injured before the WC.

Feel sorry for him.

He's still a muppet though.

I've set on a Ballack more than once and it hurts.

I've set on a Ballack more than once and it hurts.

When you do it in public, it's one of the most hardest things to disguise as well.

That was a bad challenge to be frank. But that Boateng got what he deserved when he scuffed that pen. What comes around goes around. As for Ballack, I'm gutted! I've got Germany in the forum sweep!

Putting my Aussie foot forward, I can't deny I did smile just a little when I saw this. Sad for him yeah, but we need all the breakswe can get!

I absolutely loathe Ballack, always have (scored the goal that knocked the US out of WC 2002 even though the Yanks deserved that game...still not over it!), but I feel for the lad as this was going to be his last World Cup. Boateng is a sack and I'm sure Germany will get their revenge in the Group Stage on Ghana.

Ballack slaps Boateng - FA Cup Final - 15 May 2010 - HQ - WM Aus für Ballack

Oooh, what happened there?

Don't really like Ballack but still never nice for this to happen weeks before the World Cup, which most probably would have been his last.

I think this a load of Ballack's myself, do we really care?

Ballack is a c**t. I couldnt care less.

Tell you the funny thing?

Kevin Prince Boateng is playing for Ghana. In Germany's World Cup group.

Even funnier Boateng was born in Berlin  and played for the German U 21 team.

Aufiderzen  Ballack!

Reminds me of the song we Croats sang at the Euro 2008 "Deutchland Deutchaland Aufiderzen Aufiderzen"

Roughly translates to Germany Germany good bye..as you can see I don't really fancy the German national side much.

That group's going to be F***ing quality in the World Cup!

Even funnier Boateng was born in Berlin  and played for the German U 21 team.

Aufiderzen  Ballack!

Reminds me of the song we Croats sang at the Euro 2008 "Deutchland Deutchaland Aufiderzen Aufiderzen"

Roughly translates to Germany Germany good bye..as you can see I don't really fancy the German national side much.

You mean Auf Wiedersehen.

The mad arse croats have a boss support!

Ballack is a pr**k anyhow , makes Australia's job just a little easier . Germany have a few injury problems and Klose and Podolski aren't exactly settin the world alight with form of late .

You mean Auf Wiedersehen.

The mad arse croats have a boss support!

Is right HR.

Excuse my poor German spelling.

It was insane some 60,000 congregated on St Marten Platz in Vienna red and white checkers as far as the eye can see.

I cry for Ballack and the Germans....NOT

I am not saying i like Ballack but that tackle was an awful challenge. Remember thinking at the time that Boateng got off very easily. Gutted for Ballack even though he is a tw*t .