Michael Ballack downplays Germany title hopes

Germany captain Michael Ballack is downplaying the three-time champion's chances of winning the World Cup in South Africa next year.

Germany captain Michael Ballack is downplaying the three-time champion's chances of winning the World Cup in South Africa next year.

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The Chelsea midfielder was quoted as telling Kicker magazine Monday that "we lack at the moment the consistency and breadth in the squad for the title."

He added that "in friendly matches above all, we have performed too weakly to be able to say that we have the level and routine to beat all the others."