Jens Lehmann was picked by Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann over Oliver Kahn on Friday to be his starting goalkeeper at this year's World Cup.

Oliver Kahn (R) goalkeeper and team captain of Bayern Munich shake hands with Arsenal's German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann after their Champions League match in Munich's Olympic stadium in this February 22, 2005 file photo. Coach Juergen Klinsmann named Jens Lehmann April 7, 2006, as Germany's first choice goalkeeper for the 2006 World Cup, leaving former captain Oliver Kahn to consider his international future. [Reuters]

"This was the most difficult decision of my time as coach," Klinsmann said. "Of course, Oliver is disappointed, but he took it as a real sportsman."

Kahn, Germany's starter at the 2002 World Cup, played in a 4-1 win over the United States on March 22. Kahn and Lehmann are both 36.

"After the game against the United States we looked at the developments in the last 22 months very closely and we now reached a decision," Klinsmann said. "Oliver still had the edge in August but Jens made progress over the past few months and we thought he was now slightly ahead."

Kahn, who has played 84 games for Germany, is playing with a a rib injury.

"I will consider my future with the national team over the next few weeks and announce my decision at an appropriate date," Kahn said.