Ballack books Germany’s place
June 16, 2008 at 9:47 pm | In Germany | Leave a CommentTags: Andreas Ivanschitz, Arne Friedrich, Deutschland, Erwin Hoffer, Germany, Gyorgy Garics, Jens Lehmann, Jurgen Macho, Lukas Podolski, Michael Ballack, Miroslav Klose
Germany captain Michael Ballack booked his side’s place in the UEFA EURO 2008™ quarter-finals with a thunderous free-kick, ending the hopes of Austria despite a valiant effort from the co-hosts in Vienna.
Clinical strike
To overtake their opponents and claim the runners-up spot in Group B, Austria needed to beat their neighbours – something they had not achieved since defeating West Germany in 1986. The home team enjoyed long periods of possession but, as in their February friendly loss in this stadium against the same opposition, were made to pay for a lack of a cutting edge up front – Ballack settling the contest in the 49th minute with a characteristically clinical set-piece. Coach Joachim Löw, who was sent to the stands with his Austria counterpart Josef Hickersberger just before half-time, can look forward to a quarter-final against Group A winners Portugal in Basel on Thursday.
Ballack calls for German passion play
June 16, 2008 at 5:36 pm | In Germany | Leave a CommentTags: captain, Deutschland, German, Germany, Michael Ballack
Michael Ballack is fully aware his nation’s hopes at UEFA EURO 2008™ are now riding on just 90 minutes as Germany prepare for an emotional derby clash with co-hosts Austria in their final Group B game on Monday.
‘Win every game’
Germany’s defeat by Croatia and Austria’s last-gasp penalty to snatch a draw against Poland last Thursday mean both sides can still join the Croats in the last eight with victory in Vienna. “There is no second round in the [UEFA] European Championship, but this match is like one,” said Ballack. “We now need to win every game. The right attitude and a great deal of passion are the basis for that.”
Can Germany withstand the pressure?
June 13, 2008 at 11:32 pm | In Germany | Leave a CommentTags: Austria, Croatia, Germany, Joachim Low, Lukas Podolski, Michael Ballack
The disappointment following the 2-1 loss against Croatia was still etched on the face of Joachim Löw as he addressed the media today. The 48-year-old seemed very tense, perhaps the pressure of expectation weighing on his mind ahead of Germany’s encounter against their neighbours in what is sure to be an emotional night at a sold-out Ernst-Happel-Stadion against co-hosts Austria.
High expectations
After his team struggled to cope with a lively Croatian side in Klagenfurt yesterday, Löw will be asking himself if his players can handle such an all-or-nothing match such as the one which now awaits the Mannschaft. The whole country expects the team to make amends for the loss against Croatia, while the whole of Austria, given hope after the draw with Poland, are hoping for a surprise victory over Löw’s title favourites.
Strong nerves needed
Defender Philipp Lahm expressed his confidence that he and his team-mates are focused enough to see off Asutria and claim the win they need. But is he being overly optimistic? Captain Michael Ballack has not yet been able to reach his usual high standards. The German rearguard looked particularly unstable against Croatia, while in attack, only Lukas Podolski, with three goals in two games so far, seems the only threat. Can the Germans cope with the white-hot atmosphere which is waiting for them in Vienna.
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