BERLIN, June 18 - Michael Ballack said on Sunday he would play his usual aggressive game against Ecuador in Germany's final group game, even though he is threatened by suspension after picking up a yellow card.

"It's very difficult to hold back at the World Cup," the Germany captain said at a news conference. "We want to win this game, play well and keep our confidence high.

"Strong tackling is part of the game."

Germany have ruled out resting Ballack for Tuesday's match at the Olympiastadion, when they will have to beat Ecuador to secure first place in Group A.

Another yellow card would rule Ballack out of the second round match, which is likely to be against Sweden or England.

Centre-back Christoph Metzelder is under the same threat but Ballack said he wanted coach Juergen Klinsmann to pick the same defensive line-up after they played so well in a 1-0 win over Poland in their last game.

"The defenders have found themselves," Ballack said. "You need consistency and stability in defence.

"At the World Cup everyone wants to get forward but we need to be careful, just as we were against Poland."