Voller has consequently lost one of the few truly creative players at his disposal.

BBC: Scholl out of finals reckoning

His withdrawal means Voller could be short of inspiration in midfield at the World Cup.

BBC: Scholl out of finals reckoning

Voller has until 21 May to name his squad, who will fly to their training base in Japan the following day.

BBC: Scholl out of finals reckoning

"I will not be able to help Germany and Rudi Voller at the World Cup because of my health situation, " Scholl said.

BBC: Scholl out of finals reckoning

Coach Voller will almost certainly include players who have cemented their reputations during Bayer's run, such as Michael Ballack, Berndt Schneider, and Carsten Ramleow.

BBC: Klinsmann's confidence in Voller

But having come through a difficult phase, Klinsmann believes Germany are in good shape and in good hands under Voller to make an impression.

BBC: Klinsmann's confidence in Voller

Voller, though, may have to be without Bayer skipper and sweeper Jens Nowotny, who inured his knee in the Champions League semi-final second-leg against Manchester United.

BBC: Klinsmann's confidence in Voller

Germany demonstrated their rediscovered resilience under new coach Rudi Voller, while Keegan once again left himself exposed to allegations of tactical naivety with a controversial team selection that backfired.

BBC: Kevin Keegan

The Dutch waited 14 years to get their revenge in the Euro 1988 semifinal, also in Germany, but Germany eliminated the Dutch from the semifinals of the 1990 World Cup in a match that boiled over when Dutchman Frank Rijkaard was sent off after spitting at Rudi Voller twice.

WSJ: Like for Like Among Old Rivals