Vienna, Austria (My Sportsbook) - Germany captain Michael Ballack has emerged as an injury doubt for Sunday's Euro 2008 Final against Spain. The Chelsea midfielder sat out training on Friday with a calf injury and could miss the showpiece at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium. The absence of the 31-year-old skipper would be a major blow to coach Joachim Loew after his impressive form during Germany's drive to the final. Ballack has scored twice in the tournament - against Austria in the group stage and Portugal in the quarterfinals - but is no stranger to sitting out major international occasions after missing the 2002 World Cup final against Brazil due to suspension. Speaking after Germany's 3-2 semifinal success over Turkey on Wednesday, Ballack revealed that he and several teammates were running on empty after a long club season. "Our legs were a bit heavier, the team are tired, but we're happy, we're in the final and that's what counts," he said. "We're going to take a break for a few days and build up our strength because we'll need it." (Courtesy of sportbox.tv) |
