Ballack looks to a winning future

Michael Ballack has consigned his UEFA Champions League disappointment to the past and has moved on. With barely a moment's pause, the Germany captain's focus has turned to UEFA EURO 2008™ and the need to end a long unhappy run in the final stages of the UEFA European Championship.

No wins since 96
Incredibly the country with more appearances on the EURO podium than any other – with victories in 1972, 1980 and 1996 – have not won a finals fixture since their hat-trick clinching success against the Czech Republic at Wembley 12 years ago. No wonder Ballack says it is important for Germany to get their campaign off on the right track when they face Poland in Klagenfurt on Sunday.

Matching draws
In 2000 and 2004 they started with matching 1-1 draws against Romania and the Netherlands, and the aim of Joachim Löw's squad is to go one better than that. "Opening games are always important," said Ballack. "You know how fit you are and you want to get a great result to get confidence for the next games and the rest of the tournament. So the start is very important."

Rated to do well
A victory over their neighbours and confidence in the Germany camp would grow. They are many people's tip to go all the way after a strong showing at the 2006 FIFA World Cup – as hosts they finished third – and Ballack believes their ranking among the favourites is justified. "We have a good team," the 31-year-old said. "There are other great teams who want to win the title but we must not hide ourselves. We showed during the World Cup that you can count on us. It will be a very difficult task, though, because at the EURO the games are very close to one another. We will see how we do."

Ready to dominate
With a tight schedule, the fitness and form of the best players becomes key to a triumphant outcome. Ballack's sterling performances for Chelsea FC at the end of a season in which the Londoners finished a hair's breadth behind Manchester United FC in the Premier League before losing to the same opponents in a dramatic UEFA Champions League final, indicate he is poised to dominate the continental stage again.

Moscow forgotten
But does his look of sheer dejection following the agonising defeat on penalties in Moscow suggest it will be hard for him to put those bad memories to bed? "It is forgotten now," Ballack insisted. "The club season is over. I am looking forward to this EURO. We played two preparation games, I feel well and I am not injured. I hope I can stay fit all through the tournament."

Shooting practice
Germany took part in a final warm-up match on Wednesday when they beat a Ticino regional Under-18 team 8-0. Coach Löw gave all 23 players a run-out and all five strikers were on target in a game played in heavy rain at the Ticino sport centre. Miroslav Klose and Mario Gómez scored twice while Kevin Kuranyi, Lukas Podolski and Oliver Neuville along with midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger completed the rout.