[Joe]

Germany midfielder Michael Ballack could be on a collision course with national coach Jurgen Klinsman, after declaring himself fit to play in the host’s opening match with Costa Rica.

Klinsmann had ruled his captain out of the match after the Chelsea midfielder sustained a calf injury against Colombia on 2 June.

However, speaking to German newspaper Bild, Ballack said: “ I am fit, I want to play, I am ready and without problems.

“ Whether I will be playing or not is up to the national team coach.”

Germany now hopes this will be viewed as a communication mix-up rather than an embarrassing confrontation between the national coach and their captain.

Ballack was given the all clear to participate in Wednesday’s training session but the midfielder pulled out.

Klinsmann has a strict policy of not selecting anyone who has been unable to train 48hrs before a match.

“ He’s our leader and our skipper and we hoped to have him available but it’s a pity not a problem. We are in great shape without him.”

Ballack’s omission from Friday’s team sees either Werder Bremen’s Tim Borowski and Borrusia Dortmund’s Sebastian Kehl in with a chance of replacing Ballack.