I will decide after the World Cup in 2010 if I carry on or stop. I'll play as long as it gives me pleasure and I have ambition.
Germany's Michael Ballack on his international future
Ballack's admission is unlikely to come as a surprise to Germany coach Joachim Low, whose side continue to hone their preparation for their remaining qualifiers with a game against Bafana Bafana at the weekend.The match comes four days ahead of a Group 4 qualifier against Azerbaijan in Hannover. The crucial games in the pool are in October, when Germany travel to second-placed Russia before hosting third-placed Finland.
Germany have been unimpressive in recent outings, and Low is expecting his side to rise to the challenge over the next few games. "I expect a much improved performance in Leverkusen and Hannover. We know exactly what caused the dip in the curve recently," he said.
Bayern Munich full-back Philipp Lahm is another who is hoping Germany can raise their level of performance when it really matters. "We have to get a grip on a few tactical things, both in attack and defence," he told Bild newspaper. "Otherwise we are going to have real problems in the World Cup qualifiers."
