Michael Ballack to consider his International duties

Michael Ballack to consider his International duties

Germany midfielder Michael Ballack will consider his international future after next summer's World Cup.

The Chelsea star, 33 in three weeks' time, has been the lynchpin for his country for several years but he may quit national team duty after the South Africa showpiece.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's friendly against South Africa in Leverkusen, he said: "I will decide after the World Cup in 2010 if I carry on or stop.

"This will be a new situation for me that I need to think carefully about.

"In any case, I'll play as long as it gives me pleasure and I have ambition."

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 clash against Bafana Bafana at the weekend.

The match comes four days ahead of a Group Four 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.

He told the Bild newspaper: "We have to get a grip on a few tactical things, both in attack and defence.

"Otherwise we are going to have real problems in the World Cup qualifiers."