Frings can replace me - Ballack

The German midfielder must sit out the Japan showpiece due to a yellow card picked up against South Korea but insists Frings, who recently signed for Borussia Dortmund, can take on his midfield mantle.     

"Torsten Frings can replace me," Ballack told German magazine 'Kicker'.

"He feels good in my position and played very well there against the USA in the spring. But obviously that is the coach's decision."

Ballack, who has been one of the stars of the 2002 tournament, admitted the booking against South Korea was deserved but bemoaned the earlier yellow card in the last 16 against Paraguay.   

"After the card I thought back to Laurent Blanc who was suspended for the 1998 final due to two yellow cards," continued the Bayern Munich ace.

"I am furious for the yellow card against Paraguay. The Paraguay player demanded a yellow card. It was a joke and that booking cost me a place in the final."

Voller and his assistant Michael Skibbe are remaining tight-lipped about who will replace Ballack but one option it to draft in Bayern Munich midfielder Jens Jeremies who could add some extra bite against the Samba flair. 

"We haven't decided what we will do yet and even if we had, we wouldn't say for obvious reasons," said Skibbe. 

"But yes, Jeremies is an excellent alternative. He's got great international experience.

"He has power inside him and he is always running. If he does come in he would be a very good option for the Brazil game."