Boaten sorry as Ballack ruled out of World Cup

MUNICH - Germany's new 'public enemy No 1', Kevin-Prince Boateng, apologized on Tuesday for dashing Germany captain Michael Ballack's World Cup hopes with a hard tackle that ruled him out of the tournament.

"I am sorry. It was not intentional. I just came in too late and made full contact. It looks pretty stupid," the German said. The apology coming three days after the foul during the FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Ballack's Chelsea did little to dampen German anger directed at Boateng.

The 33-year-old Chelsea midfielder was injured in the first half of Saturday's match against Portsmouth, limping off during his team's 1-0 win after a late tackle by Boateng.