Beckenbauer pessimistic about Germany's chances at the World Cup

German football great Franz Beckenbauer said he was not optimistic about his country's chances of success at the World Cup, in an interview to a German magazine.

"Without Michael Ballack, it will be difficult. Our team is weakened," he said.

"We'll have to work hard just to reach the semi-finals."

Germany's preparations have been hit by the injured-enforced withdrawals of captain Ballack, goalkeeper Rene Adler, defender Heiko Westermann and midfielders Simon Rolfes and Christian Traesch. "We're never been artists on the pitch like the Brazilians," added the German legend, who led his country to World Cup glory asu00a0 captain and then coach.