Ballack: Germany can recover

Germany and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack remains confident that his country can rediscover their form. At this stage two seasons ago, Germany suffered a 4-1 defeat to Italy in their preparation for the World Cup; and Ballack has confessed he has some concerns but is confident the players will come good. Germany take on Switzerland in a friendly tomorrow.

"I was asked about this back in January when it seemed almost all the team had some problem or other," the midfielder told a news conference.

"Back then I said they would all get fitter as the tournament got closer but we're two months on now and the situation is not actually that different.

"We still have two and a half months to go though and a lot can happen in football. We need a fit and in-form team to achieve our aims and that is not what we have at the moment.

"But we were in a similar situation before the last World Cup and I am optimistic that things will change."