"I am sure they can beat the Swedes," the 27-year old said before a news conference to unveil the 2007 women's World Cup's official ball on Thursday.

"But I am not so optimistic about the rest. It won't be easy even though things are going well at the moment. I think they may go out in the quarter-final, especially if they are up against Argentina."

Midfielder Bianca Rech agreed with her team mate Pohlers who missed out on Germany's win at the Women's World Cup in 2003, played in the United States, because of injury.

"They are playing well but my favourites are Argentina," said Rech.

Germany have won all three of their Group A matches against Costa Rica (4-2), Poland (1-0) and Ecuador (3-0) for the first time since the 1970 finals in Mexico where they reached the semi-finals.

They play Group B runners-up Sweden in the second round in Munich on Saturday.

Germany's men have won the World Cup in 1954 in Switzerland, 1974, when they were the hosts like this year, and in 1990 in Italy.

Their female counterparts have won their world title just once although it has only been played four times, and are six-times European champions.

The Germany women's team defend their world title next year in China.