"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," the former German international and national team manager said in Munich, where the opener will be played Friday evening.

    Beckenbauer, President of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, has been in a row with Klinsmann over whether or Ballack should play in the opener.

    Ballack told the newspaper Bild that he wanted to play in the fight against Costa Rica, saying, "I have had intensive treatment and I have no pain and I have told the coach that I wanted to play."

    "It's up to him (Klinsmann) whether he lets me play or not," added Ballack, who has been regarded the core of the German team.

    Ballack, who sustained injuries in his right calf in an international friendly against Colombia last Friday, has been unable to do complete training since then but took part in the training in Munich's stadium Thursday evening.

    Klinsmann said earlier Thursday at the final press conference in Berlin that Ballack would not be able to play against Costa Rica.

    The coach is expected to announce the German squad later Friday, right before the opener starts. Enditem