Ballack's raring to face Brazil
24 June 2005
by AFP
Germany captain Michael Ballack insists the hosts will have respect for the
talent in the Brazil team ahead of the FIFA Confederations Cup semi-final
on Saturday, but not too much.
The likes of Per Mertesacker, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Lukas Podolski have
only experienced the silky skills of Ronaldinho, Adriano and Kaka on the
television, but Ballack insists the inexperienced youngsters will not be
overawed.
"Brazil have some unbelievable players and of course we have respect for
them," Ballack said. "But as soon as the whistle goes we will get at them
and not sit back in admiration."
A 2-2 draw with Olympic champions Argentina in their final Group A match
gave Germany a taste of the South American style and Ballack expects a
similar game.
"Brazil have the same strengths as Argentina but we are well prepared,"
declared Ballack.
"We have watched them on video but that does not mean we were sitting down
for hours in front of the television screen."
Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann rested Ballack for the Argentina game and
the midfielder finally has the chance to face Brazil in a tournament after
the heartache at the 2002 World Cup.
Ballack scored the winning goal as Germany triumphed 1-0 over South Korea
to reach the World Cup final but missed the 2-0 defeat against Brazil due
to suspension.
"The final was three years ago and that is a long time in football," said
the Bayern Munich star.
"Of course I still think about it but three years has helped heal the pain."
While the FIFA Confederations Cup can not be put on a pedestal with the
Germany 2006, Ballack hit back at critics saying the competition had no
value.
"Some people say this Confederations Cup is not a big trophy, but as far I
am concerned it is an international title.
"It is just 12 months before the World Cup and I want to win this cup."
Ballack insisted Germany must be prepared to attack Brazil from the start
but not be too gung-ho.
"We will attack Brazil but are not going for a 4-3 or a 5-4 win."
Germany are averaging three goals a game in the tournament with Australia
(4-3), Tunisia (3-0) and Argentina (2-2) all failing to keep out the German
attack.
"We know we are in good shape and see what condition Brazil are in," added
Ballack.
Brazil have been inconsistent in the competition so far and fatigue has been
one reason put forward for the 1-0 defeat by Mexico and 2-2 draw with Japan.
Germany will hope Brazil's batteries are low thus improving their chances of
reaching the Frankfurt final on June 29 and ending a miserable run against
the big teams.
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※ 編輯: Mihajlovic 來自: 218.169.6.253 (06/26 22:46)