Ballack - Germany need break

Skipper happy to be through to the final

Last updated: 26th June 2008

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Ballack: Ready for a rest

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Michael Ballack believes Germany need a break to recharge their batteries before Sunday's Euro 2008 final.

Germany set up a showdown in Vienna with either Russia or Spain after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Turkey in Wednesday's first semi-final.

But the tournament favourites were outplayed for long periods of the game in Basel and required a last-minute winner from Philipp Lahm to progress.

Ballack acknowledged the players were heavy-legged against Turkey and hopes Germany will be fresher for Sunday's showpiece.

Build up strength

"Our legs were a bit heavier, the team are tired, but we're happy, we're in the final and that's what counts," said Ballack.

"We're going to take a break for a few days and build up our strength because we'll need it."

Miroslav Klose, whose header had given Germany a 2-1 lead in the second half, accepts Joachim Low's men performed some way below their best.

"We're near the summit, but it remains to be seen if we can make it to the top," said striker. "I think we need to make a bigger effort in the final.

Lows

"The Turks played with real fire, they had real belief.

"I think it showed our strength that we still made a comeback, and scored several goals with so few opportunities.

"We had a lot of lows in the game, we didn't convert our chances, we didn't go hard in the personal battles and hung back from the challenges."