Germany: Michael Ballack

Michael Ballack is out of the World Cup for Germany after Kevin-Prince Boateng crushed Ballack's ankle in Saturday's FA Cup final. This leaves a gaping hole in Germany's midfield. I'm not sure how Germany will have many ideas now in the attacking third of the pitch. Ballack's expertise will be missed on set pieces as well.

Boateng has offered a hundred apologies. It's unfair, but it'll be tougher than usual for Boateng to live this down: Boateng plays for Ghana. Ghana play Germany in the group phase.

Switzerland: Christoph Spycher

Christoph Spycher has had to drop out of the Swiss team after failing to overcome damage to his MCL. The left back is in the prime of his career and has 47 caps for Switzerland.

Philippe Senderos may move out to left back to try to replace Spycher. Senderos has played sparingly at club level, and will have to show versatility to get a game in the Swiss' back four. Switzerland are in tough in Group H against Spain and Chile.

Mexico: looking for trouble

Mexico has named only five midfielders in the squad. Andres Guardado was brought down by a nasty tackle from Manuel Iturra of Chile in a friendly on Tuesday. Guardado's fine, as are his four linemates, but one or two midfield injuries would blow this team apart.