Klinsmann Springs Surprises in Naming World Cup Squad
May 15, 2006
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Odonkor has never been called up to the Germany squad but finds himself in the final World Cup party.
Klinsmann said he hopes the 22-year-old can add some creativity in midfield after Bayern Munich star Sebastian Deisler was ruled out with a knee injury.
"Odonkor can give us something we are missing," Klinsmann said. "We need something after (Sebastian) Deisler's injury. He is quick, carefree and has a lot to offer."
"He was delighted when I informed him over the phone. I just told him that he does not need to worry. He has under-21 caps and we are taking half that team with us to the World Cup."
Bayer Leverkusen defender Nowotny was the other shock inclusion as he had not played for the national team for two years.
Nowotny back from injury
The 32-year-old Nowotny won the last of his 45 caps at Euro 2004 but Klinsmann hopes he can bring some experience to a youthful defense. "Jens Nowotny brings a lot of experience. He has played in lot of tournaments and knows what it takes," Klinsmann said.
"We need different alternatives in central defense as (Christoph) Metzelder is still struggling with injury," Klinsmann added. Dortmund defender Metzelder is out for two weeks but is also included in the 23-man squad.
While there was delight for Odonkor and Nowotny there was heartache for Brazilian-born striker Kevin Kuranyi who paid the price for a poor season with Schalke 04.
A year ago Kuranyi was first choice in attack but his form dipped and Klinsmann only has him on standby with VfL Wolfsburg forward Mike Hanke taking his place.
The 22-year-old Hanke is suspended for the first two World Cup matches against Costa Rica and Poland after receiving a red card in last year's Confederations Cup third-place play-off with Mexico.
"It is a shame that Mike is suspended for first two matches but he showed in the last few months that he is really on top of his game," Klinsmann said. "He has improved and deserves his place."
Hosts Germany will face Costa Rica, Poland and Ecuador in Group A at the finals.
Klinsmann has lined up friendlies against Luxembourg on May 27 in Freiburg, Japan on May 30 in Leverkusen and Colombia on June 2 in Mönchengladbach.
Germany World Cup 2006 Squad:
Goalkeepers: Jens Lehmann (Arsenal), Oliver Kahn (Bayern Munich), Timo Hildebrand (VfB Stuttgart)
Defenders: Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Robert Huth (Chelsea), Marcell Jansen (Borussia Monchengladbach), Per Mertesacker (Hannover), Christoph Metzelder (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Jens Nowotny (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders: Michael Ballack (Chelsea), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Tim Borowski (Werder Bremen), Torsten Frings (Werder Bremen), Sebastian Kehl (Borussia Dortmund), Bernd Schneider (Bayer Leverkusen), Thomas Hitzlsperger (VfB Stuttgart), David Odonkor (Borussia Dortmund)
Forwards: Miroslav Klose (Werder Bremen), Lukas Podolski (FC Cologne), Mike Hanke (VfL Wolfsburg), Oliver Neuville (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Gerald Asamoah (Schalke 04)