ERASMIA, South Africa (AP)—With a young team and its captain missing through injury, it is hard to predict what three-time World Cup champion Germany can achieve in South Africa. Some of the players think this could play into their hands.

The ankle injury that has taken captain Michael Ballack out of the World Cup has led to responsibility being shared more equally among several players. Defender Arne Friedrich says the new structure may help in building more team unity.

And although young, some of the players say their colleagues have enough big-time experience.