Ballack taking nothing for granted

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Turks have a mountain of injury and suspension problems ahead of their match with the highly-fancied Germans, but their never-say-die attitude makes them dangerous opponents.

"Turkey are certainly not better than us tactically, technically and in terms of individual players," said the Chelsea midfielder, who excelled in Germany's 3-2 win over Portugal in the last eight. "But they are unpredictable and they won't underestimate any of us."

He added: "Turkey have up until now always been brilliantly set up against their opponents and they almost have a bit of the German mentality about them.

"It will be a tough task, but we have a big chance of making the final."

Ballack is set to have Torsten Frings back alongside him in centre midfield at St Jakob Park, the Werder Bremen anchorman having returned to training after breaking ribs.

Indeed, Germany coach Joachim Low confirmed all 23 players in his squad were available for the match.

The situation is the exact opposite for Turkey coach Fatih Terim, who could be faced with the prospect of playing third-choice goalkeeper Tolga Zengin in an outfield position if he is needed off the bench.

The latest blow to befall the Turks came on Monday when UEFA turned down goalkeeper Volkan Demirel's appeal against his two-game suspension.

Volkan, Terim's number one stopper, was sent off in stoppage time of his side's dramatic 3-2 Group A victory over Czech Republic after pushing Jan Koller, and missed the quarter-final win over Croatia as a result. He had hoped to get the ban reduced in order to play against Germany, but UEFA have upheld their decision.