Voller surprised by prediction of German success

Germany coach Rudi Voller says his side are ready to face Saudi Arabia tomorrow after their recent injury problems.

"We have had time to get to know them," Voller said.

"We know that they have a world-class goalkeeper in Mohamed Al Deayea, which is something quite rare for a team from Asia. They've also got an excellent attacker, Sami Al-Jaber.

"But it's up to us to beat this team and we'll go all out from the start to silence our critics," he said.

But Voller looked shocked when reporters told him his assistant Michael Skibbe said Germany would reach the Yokohama final next month.

"He really said that ? Well, I think we will try and get to the quarter-finals and after that anything can happen," Voller said.

"But as far as I'm concerned every match is a final. On a good day we are a match for anyone. Having said that our weaknesses were exposed when we lost to Wales recently."

Voller has struggled to make up a squad after severe inury problems this month.

Winger Sebastian Deisler, play maker Mehmet Scholl, Bayer Leverkusen sweeper Jens Nowotny and Dortmund centre back Christian Worns would all have started against the Saudis but none are fit enough to be in the squad.

Defender Marko Rehmer has been ruled out of Saturday's game with star midfield talent Michael Ballack admitting he takes painkillers to try and boost his fitness after recent foot problems.

But Voller said the real action would see a different Germany.

"A World Cup is completely different to normal international matches," he said.

"Against Ukraine in the playoffs last year the pressure was also tremendous.

"It was an extremely difficult game for us but we came through it and are stronger for the experience.

"For me personally I feel more pressure as a coach than I did as a player. The responsibility is greater and its difficult to switch off."

Voller helped Germany to win the 1990 World Cup in Italy.