Ballack may miss the EURO 2008 finals against Spain

Germany captain Michael Ballack is a doubt for Sunday's Euro 2008 final after missing training on Friday and Saturday because of a calf injury. The German Football Federation said the 31-year-old, who has scored two goals in the tournament, is having treatment. Spain will have to alter their line-up, with striker David Villa ruled out because of a thigh injury. That could mean a start for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas in a five-man midfield, with Fernando Torres the lone striker. Chelsea midfielder Ballack suffered the injury in training on Friday and will be desperate to play, having missed out on the 2002 World Cup final because of suspension. With the ex-Bayern Munich star not certain to start, Germany coach Joachim Low must now reconsider his options. He may be forced to recall midfielder Torsten Frings, who has declared himself fit after recovering from a broken rib, rather than having the luxury of keeping him on the bench.
Simon Rolfes, who suffered a cut eye in the semi-final against Turkey and would have made way for Frings, could now be retained in the starting line-up - though Low may instigate a greater reshuffle based upon tactics if talisman Ballack is missing. Should Spain coach Luis Aragones choose to go with the side and formation that eventually strolled past Russia 3-0 in Thursday's semi-final, that would mean a start for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas in a five-man midfield, with Liverpool player Fernando Torres the lone striker. I know how well he can perform," said Aragones, 69, who has had four stints in charge of Atletico Madrid, where he made his name as a player. "I like a player like Cesc, 20-years-old and someone who has acquired the experience of someone who's 27, 28. To us, he's important." The Spanish are full of confidence ahead of the final, having turned themselves from 'perennial underachievers' to - during the course of the tournament - many people's tip to win the final. Spain may not have won a major honour since 1964 - their victory in that year's European Championship their only title to date - but Liverpool striker Torres believes the side are equipped to go all the way this year. "This team is already making history but we can do even more," he stated.
Germany know how to win tournaments, they know how to play these games and we know we have be careful because they are the favourites. But we can win it too." However, Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff has played down suggestions that his side are favourites and commented: "We have demonstrated what capabilities we possess but we should put Spain one step above us. "That said, this was the case against Portugal (in the quarter-final) as well and it doesn't have to be to our disadvantage." and the former striker, whose 'golden goal' against the Czech Republic gave Germany the European title in 1996, hinted Low's side would set out to be hard to break down rather than expansive in attack.
"Spain control the ball very well and they provide decisive passes," he added. "We will have to play very tightly, double-team a lot and keep the marking close." That philosophy was supported by Frings, who said: "We shouldn't let them into the game. We have to be aggressive, we have to step up even as they are receiving the ball. I don't think they like it when you are aggressive against them."