Germany confident despite setbacks

Injuries have so far ruled out captain Michael Ballack and four other players, severely restricting Low's options in midfield for the June 11-July 11 tournament and robbing his team of its natural leader.

But two comfortable wins against Hungary and Bosnia in the past days have shown the Germans were able to successfully absorb the shock of these withdrawals, with the team playing at times mesmerising football.

"We are going into this tournament well prepared," Low told the federation website before boarding the huge A380 passenger plane bound for Johannesburg. The team, who will arrive on Monday, will then travel to their base outside Pretoria.

"I have full confidence in the quality of our team," said Low.

Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger have made a seamless transition from supporting actors under Ballack to playing leading roles, combining beautifully to initiate Germany's offensive play from their holding midfield positions.

Overall Ballack's injury looks to have been a blessing in disguise with the team playing more freely, his responsibilities shared by more than just one player.

"We know what we have to do," said Schweinsteiger. "Most of us have gone through these situations before."

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