• Quickplay


Ballack doubtful for final

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 Stadion.

The absence of the 31-year-old skipper would be a major blow to coach Joachim Low 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 quarter-finals - 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 semi-final success over Turkey on Wednesday, Ballack had revealed that he and several team-mates were running on empty after a long club season.

He said: "Our legs were a bit heavier, the team are tired, but we're happy, we're in the final and that's what counts.

"We're going to take a break for a few days and build up our strength because we'll need it."

Euro Photo Gallery
Adopt A Country

ADOPT A COUNTRY!


There's still the opportunity to adopt a country and follow them at the tournament. Do it now to get exclusive downloads, country content and much more Click Here