Europe

Ballack A Doubt For The Final

Germany captain Michael Ballack is a major doubt for the Euro 2008 final after sustaining a calf injury during the side’s 3-2 win over Turkey.

Jun 28, 2008 7:07:58 PM

Ballack - Altintop - Germany-Turkey (Firo)

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Ballack - Altintop - Germany-Turkey (Firo)

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Though the 31-year old was able to play the full 90 minutes of Wednesday’s semi-final, he has been unable to train since Friday after aggravating the injury.

The midfielder’s absence from the final against Spain would be a major blow to coach Joachim Low, with the Chelsea star impressing as the side saw off Fatih Terim’s men, as well as one of the favourites for the Henri Delauney trophy, Portugal, in the quarter-final.

It is expected that the player will have a late fitness test on Sunday to see whether he is able to play, though if he is ruled out it will not be the first such disappointment the former Bayern Munich man will have endured.

In the 2002 World Cup, Ballack was ruled out of the final aginst Brazil, a match they lost 2-0, through suspension, a memory that the 86-capped player has used to motivate his teammates in the build up to Sunday’s game.

Their opponents face have their own injury problems, with the tournament’s leading goalscorer David Villa missing out due to a hamstring strain.

Will Wood

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