Hitzlsperger backs German spirit

By Mandeep Sanghera in Dortmund

Hitzlsperger has yet to feature in the World Cup

Germany's Thomas Hitzlsperger says the World Cup hosts are not a one-man team who rely on captain Michael Ballack.

"He's proved in the past that he is a great player and that's why he got the move to Chelsea," the ex-Aston Villa midfielder told BBC Sport.

"But don't underestimate the team. It's not about one single player. He knows that himself and he is a team player."

Germany are on the brink of securing a place in the next round after winning their opening two Group A games.

Ballack missed the 4-2 victory in the World Cup curtain-raiser against Costa Rica but returned for the 1-0 win over Poland.

Germany will avoid playing England if both teams top their groups but Hitzlsperger, who hopes to play a part in the upcoming games, maintains the players are only focused on their performance.

Hitzlsperger added: "We are only concerned about going through to the next round.

"We don't know who will play if we get there but we have to concentrate on our own game and try to win our matches."