Don't expect Michael Ballack to hold back against Ecuador.

The Germany captain is carrying a yellow card and risks missing the second round match if he is not careful in Tuesday's game.

"It's difficult to hold yourself back at the World Cup. In some games sometimes you get the feeling you can do it but not here," Ballack said Sunday. "You want to win, you want to play well and tackling is part of the game. It's important for us to have a good game and bolster our confidence."

Germany may rest some players against Ecuador, but Ballack won't be among them.

"He'll play for sure," assistant coach Joachim Loew said. "But we'll talk to him. We will tell him not to make unnecessary fouls but he needs to find his rhythm."

Ballack knows all about crucial suspensions. He missed the 2002 World Cup final defeat to Brazil after picking up a second yellow card in the semifinal.

The Germany captain missed his team's 4-2 opening victory over Costa Rica because of a calf injury. He returned for the 1-0 win against Poland but also picked up a yellow card.

Both Germany and Ecuador are already sure of advancing from Group A and the match will determine the winner of the group. A draw is enough for Ecuador, which has a better goal difference after beating Poland 2-0 and Costa Rica 3-0.

Loew said Germany's staff has read reports that Ecuador may rest some players and that Germany might do the same.

"We are going to sit down this afternoon and talk about it. We won't change much but it's obvious we should give a player or two a chance to play," Loew said. "In the knockout stage, we could have a suspension or an injury and it's difficult to bring in someone who hasn't played.

"We don't want to play mind games, though, we want to end the group stage with a success."

Loew praised Ecuador for its tactical discipline.

"Together with Sweden, they play the most perfect 4-4-2 system. It's the Colombian school. They've left a very strong impression and they have not allowed a goal. But we have no reason to be nervous," Loew said.

Ballack did have suggestion for coach Juergen Klinsmann and his staff _ don't tinker too much with the back four.

Germany's vulnerable defense had a confidence-building shutout against Poland.

"They have found themselves and you need stability and consistency in defense, you should stick with the same alignment," Ballack said.

Central defender Christoph Metzelder, who twisted his right knee in Saturday's practice, did some jogging Sunday and is expected to train with the team again Monday.

"There is no danger of him missing the game," Loew said.