Wentorf (Germany), Oct 09: Germany train and talk ahead of Euro 2004 qualifier with Iceland. Germany coach Rudi Voeller has some concerns over midfielders Michael Ballack, Carsten Ramelow and Bernd Schneider ahead of their final Euro 2004 qualifier against Iceland on Saturday (October 11). The three missed training on Wednesday morning (October 8), although Voeller said he assumed they would all be available for Saturday's match in Hamburg. Germany play Iceland on Saturday knowing a draw would see them qualify as group winners for the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal. Germany lead qualifying group five with 15 points. Iceland have 13 and Scotland 11. The Scots play hosts to Lithuania on Saturday and could still qualify for a play-off place. Coach Voeller said on Tuesday that it would be a nice weekend if Germany qualified and its women's team beat Sweden in their world cup final on Sunday.


Referring to Saturday's game, Voeller said: "Of course Iceland has a big opportunity and surely they did not expect that before the qualifier, that they have such a big opportunity. They will of course try to play it down somewhat, but the opportunity is there and from the very start we need to let the adversary know -- just like we did with the Scottish at home -- that they can achieve nothing here in Hamburg, that only we will leave the pitch as winners. That's very important."


Michael Ballack told the news conference: "I will concentrate on Saturday now. I have said before that this is an important game and the most important thing for me now is being able to play."


Bureau Report