Thirty of 32 World Cup teams play this week
(AP)
Updated: 2006-02-28 08:54

"Everything depends on how many injuries we have," Eriksson said. "The door is open to everyone, but if everyone is fit then I'm quite sure of 19 or 20 at least."

Germany faces Italy without experienced defender Christian Woerns, whom coach Juergen Klinsmann said last week would not be part of his World Cup squad after the player criticized him.

Captain Michael Ballack said the decision surprised him.

"Christian was an important component of the national team," he said.

However, Klinsmann is thought to prefer younger defenders with attacking skills.

Timo Hildebrand or Jens Lehmann are expected to play in goal in place of Oliver Kahn, who has pulled out with a bruised thigh. Germany also plays the United States in Dortmund on March 22.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi named newcomer Manuel Pasqual and welcomed back forward Christian Vieri. Pasqual, a 23-year-old Fiorentina defender, is replacing injured Juventus regular Gianluca Zambrotta while Vieri, now with AS Monaco, is rejoining the Azzurri after eight months.

Lippi also recalled AS Roma midfielder Simone Perrotta and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, fully recovered from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for months. Real Madrid midfielder Antonio Cassano was left off the roster.

France coach Raymond Domenech called up Lyon defender Francois Clerc for the first time for the Slovakia match. Domenech also recalled AS Roma defender Philippe Mexes after a two-year absence and retained Fenerbahce forward Nicolas Anelka.

Dutch coach Marco van Basten also picked a rookie in his squad to play Ecuador, Feyenoord midfielder Nicky Hofs. Rafael van der Vaart, Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Andre Ooijer all were left off the roster to recover from injuries.

Countries must select their 23-man rosters in May.