Only yesterday, coach Jurgen Klinsmann seemed to rule out his captain and playmaker from Germany's opener in Munich this evening: "Michael had to break off from training after half an hour and is undergoing intensive treatment. I am afraid it looks like he won't make it in time." The former German international striker went on to add: "Naturally, we would have loved to have Michael on board for the opening game. He is our leader, our captain, but the most important thing for us is that he recovers as soon as possible and can concentrate on regaining match fitness. We hope to have him available for our second match."

However, reports from Friday?s edition of German newspaper "Bild" suggest that the situation has changed overnight. The 29-year-old midfielder, who has missed the majority of training over the last few days due to a calf injury, is quoted as saying: "I have undergone intensive treatment and am feeling great again with no pain at all. I want to play!"

The host nation is likely to have to wait until just before the big kick-off in Munich this evening (18:00 local time) to find out if the ex-Bayern Munich star, who will move to the English Premiership with Chelsea this summer, will lead Germany into battle. Standing by to fill Ballack?s shoes against the Ticos is Werder Bremen midfielder Tim Borowski.