Ballack fit to start for Germany

by kferaday | June 29, 2008 at 10:00 am

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Well surprise, surprise Ballack is going to start. I wonder how significant injury really is. On the Spanish side it's good to see that Fabregas is starting but it appears Alonso isn't starting. I wonder about this decision since he and Torres have got to know each other well (both play for Liverpool) and with Torres now being the lone striker that may be important. We'll see soon enough. Certainly Fabregas is a brilliant passer.

Michael Ballack has been passed fit to start for Germany in the UEFA EURO 2008™ final against Spain, who include Cesc Fàbregas in a five-man midfield instead of using Daniel Güiza as a second striker.

Ballack back
Ballack had been a major doubt after coach Joachim Löw announced on the eve of the match that his captain was suffering from a calf muscle problem, and it will come as huge boost to his side that the 31-year-old is able to play. Also in midfield, Torsten Frings takes over from Simon Rolfes in the central holding role having recovered from a rib injury, as Löw sticks with the XI that started the second half of the 3-2 semi-final victory against Turkey.

Fàbregas starts
With David Villa injured, Spain coach Luis Aragonés is forced to make one change from the side that started the 3-0 win over Russia. Cesc Fàbregas comes in to make up a five-man midfield after impressing as a subsitute in the semi-final, with striker Daniel Güiza among the substitutes.

Germany: Lehmann, Lahm, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Friedrich, Podolski, Frings, Hitzlsperger, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Klose.

Spain: Casillas, Capdevila, Marchena, Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Iniesta, Senna, Fàbregas, Xavi, Silva, Torres.