Germany's Metzelder should be fit to face Ecuador

BERLIN, June 18 (Reuters) Germany defender Christoph Metzelder was forced to miss training today but should recover in time to play in Tuesday's game against Ecuador, according to assistant coach Joachim Loew.

Metzelder turned his right knee in training yesterday and was unable to continue. He had treatment at the team hotel and went for a scan that revealed no serious damage.

''There will be no problem for Tuesday,'' Loew said at a news conference today.

Metzelder played in Germany's two opening games. His partnership with Per Mertesacker in the centre of defence looked a lot more secure in the second match, a 1-0 win over Poland, than in the opening day 4-2 victory against Costa Rica.

Germany need to win Tuesday's game against Ecuador at the Olympiastadion to finish top of Group A, and thus avoid the first-placed team in Group B for the second round.

That is likely to be England, although Sweden could claim top spot with a victory when they meet on Tuesday.

REUTERS AY RN1830