Michael Ballack’s absence from World Cup creates new possibilities for Germany in South Africa

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Ballack’s absence not felt in World Cup opener

ERASMIA, South Africa — The loss of captain Michael Ballack is giving Germany the chance to try some new things.

Germany opened the World Cup with a one-sided 4-0 win over Australia, and Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira, who are sharing Ballack’s role on the field, both played well against the Socceroos. That’s got some Germany fans wondering if the team might be better off without the 33-year-old Ballack, who will miss the entire tournament with an ankle injury.

“Michael Ballack was an important player and he has immense experience,” Germany coach Joachim Loew said Monday. “For the moment, we are managing without him.”

Whether Loew’s use of the past tense was intentional or a slip of the tongue remains unclear, but Ballack may find it hard to return to a successful team filled with youngsters. Chelsea didn’t renew Ballack’s contract when it expired earlier this month.

Ballack’s injury in the FA Cup final stunned Germany, and left the three-time champion without its most recognized player. But Loew didn’t complain for too long. He always said he had confidence in his team which, with an average age of just under 25, is Germany’s second-youngest at the World Cup.

Khedira reminds him of a “young Ballack,” Loew said in another telling remark. In recent years, Ballack’s role has been limited to securing Germany’s defense rather than making thrusting runs on goal, a trademark of his earlier years.

Ballack has always believed Germany had to first tighten its defense before pushing forward. Loew, however, has instilled a flowing, quick-passing style that plays at a faster tempo without Ballack, and is less predictable. With Schweinsteiger moving from the right wing into a deeper role in front of the back four, Khedira has been entrusted with making runs at the defense.

Mesut Oezil was widely praised by his teammates for his performance against Australia, and his creative flair and speed makes Germany more versatile. But he would have found it difficult to win a spot in the starting lineup if Ballack was healthy.

“The way he moves the ball and gives our game fluidity makes him extremely valuable,” Loew said.

Ballack has said he would like to play at the 2012 European Championship. If he does return, he may find himself with a much less prominent role.