BERLIN — Veteran Germany striker Miroslav Klose has said he wants to break Ronaldo's record of 15 World Cup goals before stepping down from international duty after Brazil 2014. Having scored 14 goals for Germany at the last three World Cup tournaments, Lazio's Klose is just one short of Brazil legend Ronaldo's record. “I can't say that doesn't interest me, I'm too ambitious for that, but the team always comes first,” Klose, who made his 131st appearance for Germany in Wednesday's friendly with Chile, told Munich-based daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung. The ex-Bayern Munich star has struggled with injuries this season after a foot operation in September, then a shoulder problem in November, and he says Euro 2016 will probably be beyond him. “I think that the World Cup in Brazil is to be my last tournament,” said the 35-year-old. “The way my fitness is, I find it hard to assume I could play for two more years at the highest level.” Germany kick-off its World Cup campaign in Group G against Portugal in Salvador on June 16 before taking on Ghana and the Jurgen Klinsmann-coached United States. Klose's contract expires in June and while Lazio are reported to want to offer him a year's extension on a reduced salary, the striker is considering offers from the United States and United Arab Emirates. “Thank god there are so many interesting opportunities,” said Klose. “Speculation doesn't help anyone but I am sure I want to keep playing at the highest possible level.” Having made his international debut back in March 2001 and despite his increasing years, Klose said he is still one of the fastest in Germany's training sessions. “During the sprints, I am in the top five, rather than the top three, but not many people know what a tough guy I am,” he said, having forged the reputation as a notoriously hard worker in training. Brazil celebrates 100-day mark to World Cup Brazil is commemorating the 100-day mark to the World Cup by lighting up tourist attractions with the green and yellow colors of the national flag. Some monuments, bridges, theaters and World Cup stadiums were lit up across the country Tuesday to celebrate the milestone. Among the stadiums illuminated with the national colors were the Mineirao in Belo Horizonte and the Maracana, which will host the final of football's showcase event in Rio de Janeiro on July 13. The World Cup begins on June 12 with Brazil playing Croatia in Sao Paulo. With the tournament approaching fast, local organizers continue to struggle to get venues and infrastructure work completed. Four of the 12 stadiums aren't finalized, and two may be ready less than a month before the opener. — Agencies
