Ballack, who suffered the injury in the warm-up against Colombia last week in which Germany won 3-0, stayed at a hotel in Berlin, receiving medical treatment, while the German team underwent a closed-door training in Berlin suburb late afternoon.

    However, Ballack told reporters at noon that his calf muscle injury was not that serious and he would be fit for the World Cup opening match against Costa Rica.

    Ballack, almost the most prolific midfielder in the world, is leading the hosts to snatch the 2006 FIFA World Cup trophy this summer, and nearly all German fans and experts have gambled on his form for the glory.

    Ballack's value had been proved four years ago in the South Korea/Japan World Cup where the then rising star's powerful play and scoring touch lifted "hopeless" Germany to the final against most expectations.

    He scored the winner in the quarterfinal against the United States and then netted the only goal in Germany's semifinal win over South Korea, the incredible dark horse in that tournament.

    The German star said in Berlin that he was well prepared and he would give all to his team.

    Joachim Loew, the assistant coach of the German team, told reporters that Ballack's injury is a usual muscle problem and he expressed the hope that the German driving force would be fit for the Costa Rica game on time.

    "Ballack is a stable player and strong tackler," Loew said, adding that the team doctor could solve the problem.

    "I know Ballack is not 100 percent fit," he said, "but all the other players are in good condition."

    Germany will face Costa Rica in the opening match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Munich on June 9. Enditem