Frings can only get better after dog put bite on souvenir

Jun 8 2008

TORSTEN FRINGS bagged the match ball after scoring in Germany's World Cup opener two years ago only for his dog to burst it.

Now Frings is praying there is no more ruff justice and that the Polish underdogs don't puncture his side's Euro 2008 hopes when Germany's campaign kicks-off today.

The Werder Bremen midfielder hit the final goal in a pulsating 4-2 win over Costa Rica in Munich to get the home side's World Cup bid off to a flyer in 2006.

The delighted 31-year-old grabbed the match ball at the end of the game to keep as a memento but the family canine soon got its teeth to it.

When Frings was asked where the ball is ahead of today's Group B clash with Poland in Klagenfurt, he laughed: "I don't really know, maybe in the basement.

"But to be honest I think it has no air left. I think the dog has destroyed it!"

The subject of the match ball at this year's tournament is no laughing matter for some though. It has been topic of hot debate with Germany keeper Jens Lehmann one of the most vocal critics of it claiming its unpredictable nature gives him a "headache".

Produced by Adidas and named the Europass there are huge concerns over the fact the ball deviates so much in flight.

But Frings, famous for packing a fierce shot, is delighted the new ball moves so much.

He said: "It's super. When you hit it right it really flies. I think we'll see a lot of goals from distance."

While Germany surprised many pundits by reaching the World Cup semi-final two years ago Frings was gutted at his side's semi-final loss to eventual winners Italy.

The star was suspended for that last-four tie after getting involved in a punch-up at the end of the quarter-final match with Argentina. But Frings firmly believes Germany are better than in 2006 and are now well placed to become kings of Europe.

He said: "We have more experience and work so well as a unit now."