|
Seasoned Ballack keeps fever at bay
by Matthias Rotters from Tenero
| |
|
|
Michael Ballack is playing in his fifth major
tournament (¿Getty Images)
|
Michael Ballack says he "gets calmer with every tournament"
as he looks forward to Germany's UEFA EURO 2008T opener against Poland
with the coolest of heads.
Special feeling
The Chelsea FC midfielder is playing his fifth major tournament, having
appeared in the last two FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships,
and knows such experience will be vital as Germany's Group B campaign
begins in Klagenfurt on Sunday. "I get calmer with every tournament,"
he said. "I now know what needs to be done, but of course a EURO
or a World Cup is still the biggest thing for a footballer. As soon as
the first game starts, the tension increases. I last felt that prickling
before the UEFA Champions League final."
'No fear'
Chelsea lost that game to Manchester United FC on penalties, but the signs
are more positive as Germany face Poland. They are undefeated in 15 meetings
with their neighbours - a run comprising eleven victories and four draws.
"We want to continue this streak," said the 31-year-old, whose
side have not won a match at a UEFA European Championship finals since
beating the Czech Republic 2-1 in the EURO '96T final. "The form
and standard of the team give me cause for optimism. We had a good World
Cup in 2006 and have no fear. We can beat anybody and are not here to
win just one game."
Questions, questions
The first fixture is nonetheless a crucial one for the No13. "The
first match always has its own rules," he said. "You head on
to the pitch and absolutely want to win, but at the same time you are
still looking for answers to the many questions about your current state
of fitness. Things only usually ease up after the first taste of victory,
and we have to work for that now." He added: "I have received
a lot of praise in the recent weeks because of my play, which definitely
has a lot to do with my experience in the English Premier League. I feel
really good at the moment, but in the end what matters is that every one
of our players puts in a top performance. I hope that happens."
Euro2008.com,
6 June 2008
|
|
