Ballack: Germany has no chance against Italy
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Michael Ballack has wrote off Germany's chances against Italy in today's World Cup semifinal clash.
Ballack, now at Chelsea, said: "They are a very strong opponent with a long streak and they beat us comfortably not long ago. They dominated us also on club level. Actually, we have no chance. Everything speaks against us, everything favours them."
Ballack may be trying to pile the pressure on Italy but Germany go into the showdown without a defeat in Dortmund.
They have won 13 out of 14 matches at the Westfalenstadion, boasting a goal difference of 59-7.
Midfielder Ballack added: "We beat one of the big teams to reach the semi-finals and playing in Dortmund only adds to the faith that we will win. But our chances are much worse than against Argentina and our hopes rest on the crowd. The crowd will be behind us like a wall and support us until the very last minute.
"We are in great shape. We'll see whether that will be enough or not. We have a lot of self-confidence, the team is very hungry."
Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann does not believe the thrashing his side suffered in Florence will make any difference today.
The former Tottenham striker said: "Statistics don't interest us. We are a different team now.
"We are certain we'll overcome the next hurdle and beat Italy. Italy are one of the best teams in the world and that's why they're in the final four.
"Italy have great history and tradition and deserve the highest respect.
"But we think with our style and game we can beat them and that's what we are going to do.
"We are full of enthusiasm and zest and no one can destroy that."
Ballack, now at Chelsea, said: "They are a very strong opponent with a long streak and they beat us comfortably not long ago. They dominated us also on club level. Actually, we have no chance. Everything speaks against us, everything favours them."
Ballack may be trying to pile the pressure on Italy but Germany go into the showdown without a defeat in Dortmund.
They have won 13 out of 14 matches at the Westfalenstadion, boasting a goal difference of 59-7.
Midfielder Ballack added: "We beat one of the big teams to reach the semi-finals and playing in Dortmund only adds to the faith that we will win. But our chances are much worse than against Argentina and our hopes rest on the crowd. The crowd will be behind us like a wall and support us until the very last minute.
"We are in great shape. We'll see whether that will be enough or not. We have a lot of self-confidence, the team is very hungry."
Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann does not believe the thrashing his side suffered in Florence will make any difference today.
The former Tottenham striker said: "Statistics don't interest us. We are a different team now.
"We are certain we'll overcome the next hurdle and beat Italy. Italy are one of the best teams in the world and that's why they're in the final four.
"Italy have great history and tradition and deserve the highest respect.
"But we think with our style and game we can beat them and that's what we are going to do.
"We are full of enthusiasm and zest and no one can destroy that."
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