|
Germany want tough draw but U.S. are unconcerned
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-12-09 08:48
LEIPZIG, Germany, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Germany captain Michael Ballack believes
a tough draw would suit the hosts when the 32 finalists at the 2006 World Cup
are grouped on Friday.
Argentina's Lionel Messi also wants to face the
best at the finals in Germany next year but United States coach Bruce Arena says
he couldn't care less how the draw unfolds.
Ballack is concerned that Germany have struggled in recent matches against
unfancied teams like Slovakia, Turkey and China. In their last game, they had
the better of a goalless draw with France.
"It's been good for us whenever we've played tougher opponents," Ballack said
on the eve of the draw. "We've played better against the so-called harder teams.
"I think we're ready for everything and we'll take on whatever comes along."
Germany are one of the seeded teams along with champions Brazil, Argentina,
England, Spain, Mexico, France and Italy.
The 18-year-old Messi was tipped as a likely contender for a new award,
announced by FIFA on Thursday, for the best young player at the World Cup.
Messi himself is too cautious to predict personal glory but he does sound
confident about the chances of former champions Argentina.
"I'd like to play England, Brazil, the Netherlands or Portugal," said Messi,
who was mobbed by reporters during a brief appearance in Leipzig on Thursday.
"I think those teams plus Germany will be the ones still in towards the end.
"Things are going well at the moment and I'm enjoying it all. We're eager to
go as far as we can in Germany."
|
