Hitz - We're no one-man team

Hitzlsperger says Germany can cope without Ballack

By James Pearson   Last updated: 28th June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hitz - We're no one-man team

Hitzlsperger: Backing Low's squad

If he is out, someone else will have to step up.

Hitzlsperger on possible Ballack absence
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Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger believes Joachim Low's side can cope should Michael Ballack miss out against Spain on Sunday.

A calf muscle injury has prevented the Chelsea ace from training since Friday, leaving Low to contemplate taking on Spain in the Euro 2008 final without one of his most influential players.

Hitzlsperger knows Ballack will be virtually impossible to replace in Vienna, but he is confident one of his colleagues can make the step up if required.

Importance

"He's proven over the years how important he is for the team," said Hitzlsperger. "He's scored so many important goals.

"He has a big presence on the field, he's a leader, he is someone the younger players look up to. If he is out, someone else will have to step up."

The former Aston Villa midfielder thinks that playing a high-tempo closing-down game against Spain will be key to overcoming Luis Aragones' side.

"We have got to close them down, then we have a good chance," the Stuttgart man concluded.