Germans set sights on Prague win

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PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- German captain Michael Ballack says his team have only victory in mind ahead of Saturday's vital clash with fellow Euro 2008 Group D leaders Czech Republic in Prague.

Germany top the qualifying group ahead of the Czechs only by virtue of goal difference with both sides on ten points.

A win in Prague would clearly put the Germans in the driving seat, but with Bundesliga top-scorer Mario Gomez of VfB Stuttgart out with a knee injury, Chelsea midfielder Ballack says his deputy -- Bayern Munich's Lukas Podolski -- is a more than adequate substitute.

"We have to take any injuries in our stride, a striker has dropped out, but the guys who will play can step in seamlessly. We respect our opponents, but we are just focused on getting the win," said the 30-year-old German captain.

Even without Gomez, the Germans have an abundance of talented strikers to choose from with 21-year-old Podolski, voted the best young player of the 2006 World Cup, boasting an impressive record of 22 goals in 37 internationals.

"We'll win because we have the better players," said the confident Podolski, who will partner Schalke 04's Kevin Kuranyi up front for the Germans.

"If we win, we will have a bit more breathing space," said national team manager Oliver Bierhoff, looking forward to the next two qualifying games against San Marino and Slovakia in June.

"But if we lose, other teams behind us will be back in it," he warned.

Thirty-eight suspected German soccer hooligans were denied entry to the Czech Republic on Friday ahead of Saturday's game.

Most of the fans stopped at the border were on a list of people with criminal records for football violence and are barred by German police from traveling abroad for matches.

About 1,000 German fans are expected to attend the game.

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