Klinsmann unconcerned about possible England match

BERLIN, June 19 (Reuters) Germany have no preference over their second round World Cup opponents, coach Juergen Klinsmann said today.

Germany could face historic rivals England in the last 16, depending on the results of the final matches in their groups tomorrow.

The hosts need to beat Ecuador to finish top of Group A and avoid the first-placed team in Group B, which will be England if they get at least a draw against Sweden in one of tomorrow's late matches.

''We really don't care (who we face),'' Klinsmann said at a news conference today. ''Once you get into the knock-out phase it's very tough whoever you face ... (but) we haven't started practising penalties yet.'' Germany have won both their games so far but so have Ecuador and the coach has a lot of respect for a team that finished third in South American qualifying behind only Brazil and Argentina.

''Ecuador are one of the top teams at the World Cup and it's going to be very tough,'' Klinsmann said.

''They deserve our respect because they've shown they can play away from home, and not just in Quito high above sea level.'' Germany have no injury worries going into the final game but Klinsmann could decide to leave out centre-back Christoph Metzelder, who has a yellow card. Captain Michael Ballack is also under threat of suspension but will definitely play.

''We have to make a decision based on which players need to stay in the team to keep their rhythm,'' the coach said.

REUTERS AY PM2134