Goalkeepers have been complaining about the unpredictable flight of the Euro 2008 ball but outfield players could not be happier with it, Germany midfielder Torsten Frings said today.

Frings is renowned for trying his luck from distance and the 31-year-old predicted a series of spectacular goals at the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

"Us outfield players love the ball," Frings said at a news conference, the day before Germany's Group B opener against Poland in Klagenfurt. "It's fantastic.

"I think we're going to see a lot of goals scored from distance because if you hit it right it really flies."

Germany's Jens Lehmann has been among the critics of the EUROPASS ball, saying it is difficult to judge in the air.

"It is hard for keepers but Jens has had three weeks in training to get used to it," Frings said. "I'm sure he'll manage."

Frings scored Germany's final goal in their 4-2 win over Costa Rica in the opening match of the last World Cup.

He was so pleased with the ball that he took it home with him but he revealed on Saturday that it does not exactly have pride of place in the Frings household.

"I'm not sure where it is, to be honest," Frings said. "I know all the air got let out. I think the dog may have got it."

Frings surprised many people in Germany by recovering from two serious injuries this season to claim a place in the squad.

With 72 caps and 10 goals he is one of Germany's senior players and he will almost certainly renew his partnership with Michael Ballack in central midfield.

"I got back by sheer hard work," Frings said. "I basically trained harder than I ever have before."