Preparing for the World Cup: Boateng Apologizes For Ballack Tackle

Posted on May 20, 2010 by Thomas Rooney

Michael Ballack will miss the 2010 World Cup following a tough tackle from Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has apologized for the challenge that ruled Germany Captain Michael Ballack out of this summer’s World Cup.

Boateng went in heavily on Ballack during last weekend’s FA Cup final, resulting in a painful ankle injury for the German. After the damage was analysed, it was confirmed that the former Bayern Munich man out of the finals. Anyone with a betting system is probably wise enough to ignore the old adage that you never write off the Germans, but their chances certainly took a major blow when the news broke.

Ghana midfielder Boateng – who could face Germany in their Group D fixture in South Africa – has insisted that the tackle was never intended to hurt Ballack. Speaking about the incident, he said that even though he “came in too late and made full contact”, it was “never intentional”.

He then said he is “sorry” and admitted that “it looks pretty stupid” when the incident is replayed in slow motion. The tackle – which occurred in the 35th minute at Wembley – was blasted at the time for being reckless and there is no doubt that it wasn’t Boateng’s finest moment.

The 23-year-old’s apology won’t mean too much to Ballack either. Not only will he miss the World Cup this summer, but he probably won’t play in a major competition for Germany again. He is 33 now after all and it is cruel that his last chance to play in a World Cup has been taken away from him.

It doesn’t do Germany’s chances in South Africa much good either. Ballack is the heart and soul of their team and by all accounts they are pretty deflated now that their star man has been ruled out. Indeed, the best betting site odds for the side winning the tournament lengthened after the news about the captain broke.

So, overall, Boateng does have a lot to be sorry for and you can bet all the money in the world that he will get a “mixed” reception when Germany play Ghana in South Africa on June 23rd.