BERLIN (AFP) -- Germany captain Michael Ballack admits he is unsure of how the host nation will fare at next month's World Cup because so many young players form the nucleus of Jurgen Klinsmann's team.

"Everyone must be aware that a surprise is possible with this young team -- but also an early exit," Ballack said in SportBild magazine. "However the minimum target has to be to reach the quarterfinal or semifinal."

In contrast to past teams Germany have an inexperienced side with the likes of Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm and Robert Huth all still in their early 20s.

The 29-year-old Ballack is one of the old heads in the team, along with Torsten Frings and Oliver Kahn, and admits the youngsters will need some guidance.

"A lot of our players our still learning and are still far from reaching their peak," Ballack added. "We have a lot of players who could still play for the under-21 team. That says a lot."

Despite a youthful team, manager Klinsmann has set the target of winning the World Cup and Germany have already booked hotel rooms in Berlin for the final on July 9.

Germany open their campaign against Costa Rica in Munich on June 9 before further group matches against Poland and Ecuador.