Lahm replaces Ballack as captain
Bayern Munich full-back Philipp Lahm will captain Germany at the World Cup in place of injured Michael Ballack.
The 26-year-old, who can play on either flank, was one of the stars of the 2006 World Cup and has racked up 64 caps since making his debut in 2004.
"Lahm has played in his position with great class and will take over the role of captain," Germany coach Joachim Loew said at the team's training camp.
Schalke's Manuel Neuer was named as the starting goalkeeper for the tournament.
Lahm scored the opening goal of the 2006 World Cup with a spectacular right-footed drive, was man-of-the-match in Germany's victory over Poland, and went on to be named in the team of the tournament.
He was a member of the Bayern side which won the German league and cup double last season and lost to Inter Milan in the Champions League final earlier this month.
Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was named vice-captain and challenged by Loew to "play the role of Ballack and interpret it in his way".
Loew added: "With our young team we want to have the responsibilities shared by several players."
Neuer, 24, was given the nod as keeper, with Werder Bremen's Tim Wiese as second choice and Bayern Munich's Hans-Joerg Butt third. Regular number one Rene Adler is missing the tournament because of a rib injury.
"It was a tough decision," said goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke. "Wiese had a very good season and Butt played in the Champions League final. Now it is important to help them put away their frustration."
Germany have been hit by injuries to Adler, midfielder Christian Traesch and Ballack, who damaged ankle ligaments during the FA Cup final on May 15.
Loew's side, whose final friendly match is against Bosnia on June 3, have been drawn with Australia, Ghana and Serbia in Group D of the tournament in South Africa.
Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8711458.stm
Bayern Munich full-back Philipp Lahm will captain Germany at the World Cup in place of injured Michael Ballack.
The 26-year-old, who can play on either flank, was one of the stars of the 2006 World Cup and has racked up 64 caps since making his debut in 2004.
"Lahm has played in his position with great class and will take over the role of captain," Germany coach Joachim Loew said at the team's training camp.
Schalke's Manuel Neuer was named as the starting goalkeeper for the tournament.
Lahm scored the opening goal of the 2006 World Cup with a spectacular right-footed drive, was man-of-the-match in Germany's victory over Poland, and went on to be named in the team of the tournament.
He was a member of the Bayern side which won the German league and cup double last season and lost to Inter Milan in the Champions League final earlier this month.
Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was named vice-captain and challenged by Loew to "play the role of Ballack and interpret it in his way".
Loew added: "With our young team we want to have the responsibilities shared by several players."
Neuer, 24, was given the nod as keeper, with Werder Bremen's Tim Wiese as second choice and Bayern Munich's Hans-Joerg Butt third. Regular number one Rene Adler is missing the tournament because of a rib injury.
"It was a tough decision," said goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke. "Wiese had a very good season and Butt played in the Champions League final. Now it is important to help them put away their frustration."
Germany have been hit by injuries to Adler, midfielder Christian Traesch and Ballack, who damaged ankle ligaments during the FA Cup final on May 15.
Loew's side, whose final friendly match is against Bosnia on June 3, have been drawn with Australia, Ghana and Serbia in Group D of the tournament in South Africa.
Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8711458.stm
