Mesut Ozil set to start

Mesut Ozil set to start

Mesut Ozil will start for Germany as Joachim Low's side warm-up for their remaining World Cup qualifiers with a home clash against South Africa on Saturday night.

Werder Bremen playmaker Ozil is viewed as the long-term replacement for ageing skipper Michael Ballack, but his recent progression has thrust him into contention for a place in Wednesday's qualifier against Azerbaijan.

First he must impress against Bafana Bafana in Leverkusen but Low's assistant Hans-Dieter Flick has no doubts about Ozil's quality.

He said: "Ozil will be the focal point of our attacks in the final third.

"He is someone who controls the ball well and can direct the play."

Ballack also spoke in glowing terms of Ozil, adding: "Mesut has been very impressive in the first few weeks of the new season and forced his way in.

"Therefore it is only logical he gets his chance."

It is a big week for Germany with Ballack calling for maximum effort from the squad.

He said: "If we work hard then the enjoyment will also return."

Sami Khedira is set to make his international debut on Saturday but Flick revealed the German management has yet to decide whether the Stuttgart midfielder will start or come off the bench.

Flick added: "We are not sure yet whether Sami will start. But all 23 players will feature."

Flick is expecting a tough test against a South Africa side who will host next summer's World Cup finals.

He said: "The squad knows it will be demanding.

"South Africa showed during the Confederations Cup that it can match the big teams. They play with a lot of heart."

The visitors are lacking two defensive stalwarts with goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and centre-half Matthew Booth injured.

Also ruled out is midfield hard-man Macbeth Sibaya from Russian champions Rubin Kazan, leaving Brazil-born coach Joel Santana short of muscle with which to combat Germany's attacking threat.

Santana is refusing to dismiss his side's chances of causing an upset at the revamped BayArena.

"There are underdogs and there are giants, but the beauty of the game of football is that after the match has started anything can happen," he said.

"It will be a difficult match, but we are confident.

"Remember the target is 2010 and the goal is to collect international experience and not only in friendly matches but also in tournaments like the Confederations Cup which we were happy with.

"We know we are lacking in experience but we are calm about it - and you can only succeed if you believe."