Michael Ballack admits it was Germany's own fault that they lived on their nerves before reaching the quarter-finals.
Germany skipper sets up quarter-final date with Portugal
Michael Ballack admits it was Germany's own fault that they lived on their nerves before reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.
Germany had started the competition in positive fashion with a 2-0 win over Poland before producing a lacklustre display in losing 2-1 to Croatia.
Defeat to co-hosts Austria on Monday night would have sent Germany out of the European Championship at the group stage for the third tournament in a row.
However, Ballack hammered home a brilliant free-kick early in the second half to give Joachim Low's side a 1-0 win over Austria in Vienna.
Mario Gomez had also missed a golden opportunity to score after just five minutes and captain Ballack acknowledged they contributed to their own difficulties before setting up a last-eight meeting with Portugal.
Not relaxed
"The team put up a great fight," said Ballack.
"At the start we should have gone in front and the match would have been easier.
"The way it worked out we had to fight to the last minute.
"It's our own fault we ended up in this situation due to the Croatia match. It meant we couldn't play relaxed."
