Klinsmann rallies German troops in Kabul

BERLIN, June 19 (Reuters) German soldiers stationed in Afghanistan got a chance to put questions to World Cup coach Juergen Klinsmann today.

The first 15 minutes of Klinsmann's news conference on the eve of the Group A game against Ecuador was taken over by the German troops via a TV link.

''We hope we can give you many more games in the tournament to enjoy,'' Klinsmann told the soldiers in Kabul.

One solider, clearly with an eye for a scoop, pressed Klinsmann to give a definitive answer on whether he would continue as coach after the World Cup.

''That's a very direct question,'' the 41-year-old said. ''But it depends a lot on what happens over the next few weeks.'' Klinsmann has said he would be prepared to stay on if Germany have a successful tournament.

The hosts are certain of qualifying for the last 16 of the World Cup but will need to beat Ecuador in Berlin on Tuesday to finish top of Group A.

Germany has around 2,800 soldiers taking part in NATO's Afghanistan mission. The German Football Association said on its Web site that around 1,300 soldiers watched the exchange with Klinsmann.

REUTERS AY RK1746