Metzelder worry for Germans

The Borussia Dortmund defender, 21, has not trained since picking up an ankle problem in the second round victory over Paraguay and faces a race against time to be ready for the next game.

"He (Metzelder) is the only real problem that we have at the moment," said Rudi Voller.

"He is receiving treatment night and day, he will undergo another medical examination today and we will see whether he can resume light training. But there is a question mark."

Frank Baumann or Jens Jeremies are expected to deputise should Metzelder not recover by Friday.

Germany have cruised into the last eight with relative ease and are firm favourites to dispose of the United States and move into the semi-finals.