Schumi keeping fingers crossed for Germany

LONDON: After delighting Italy by leading a Ferrari one-two finish at Indianapolis on Sunday, Michael Schumacher is backing Germany to break Italian hearts in the World Cup.

The hosts play Italy in a semi-final in Dortmund on Tuesday.

"I mean, it's natural what my heart is going for," the seven times Formula One champion said after his US Grand Prix success for the Italian team.

"Although it's mixed up a little bit, the majority sticks to the German side."

Schumacher, a keen amateur player who visited the Germany squad at a training camp in Switzerland in May, revealed on his website that he was thrilled to get a text message from striker Lukas Podolski after Sunday's victory.

"I have got tickets for the final and of course I'm hoping that I'll be able to root for the German team when the day comes," said the Ferrari driver.