Klose's fitness boost

Klose (right) is a contender for the golden boot

Germany v Brazil | Final | Yokohama
Sun Jun 30 2002 | 1200 BST
BBC1 and Radio Five Live

Germany striker Miroslav Klose damaged his ribs in Tuesday's semi-final win over South Korea but is expected to be fit for Sunday's final.

Klose - who is in contention for the golden boot with five goals - was substituted after 70 minutes of his team's 1-0 semi-final victory.

It's good to finish with the World Cup Final

Oliver Bierhoff

But assistant coach Michael Skibbe expects Klose to play on Sunday, when Germany will play their seventh World Cup final against the winner of Wednesday's semi-final between Brazil and Turkey.

"We have to wait one or two days, but I don't believe he'll be out of the final," said Skibbe.

Match report

Klose's fellow striker Oliver Bierhoff is expected to retire from international football after the World Cup is determined to end as a final winner.

"It's good to finish with the World Cup Final," said Bierhoff.

"I think that's a nice way to bow out and it would be great to win thecup."

"Before the World Cup I had hoped to play a little bit more than I have done, but until now the coach has been playing Miroslav Klose.

"I hope to start, but if not I will be ready to come on."

The 34-year-old has scored 37 goals in 69 appearances during a six-year intrenational career.

We have to go out on Sunday and try and win the cup for Michael Ballack

Dietmar Hamann

Meanwhile, midfielder Dietmar Hamann has said that the team are determined to win the final for Michael Ballack.

Ballack scored Germany's goal against Korea - just five minutes after picking up the booking that means he will be suspended for the final.

Voeller's praise for Ballack

"We have to go out on Sunday and try and win the cup for him." said Hamann.

"Everybody knew he had been booked going into the game and that a second booking would mean he couldn't play on Sunday.

"When he got booked it was 0-0 and he had the power and stamina to keep on playing and score the winning goal.

"He's a strong player. He's had a fantastic season and unfortunately he will miss the World Cup final, which is very disappointing."

Defender Christoph Metzelder agreed with Hamann and he said: "It was a necessary foul, but we're disappointed that he will not be playing with us in the final.

"We will play even harder to make up for his absence."