We don't feel extra pressure, says Ballack

Germany midfielder Michael Ballack insists he and his team-mates are under no extra pressure as they attempt to book their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2004.

The Germans go into tonight’s clash with the Czech Republic at the Jose Alvalade Stadium knowing that whatever happens, Karel Bruckner’s side will sit on top of Group D after the final whistle.

What is at issue is just who will join the Czechs in the last eight.

It will be Germany if they inflict a first defeat of the competition on their opponents, although either Holland or minnows Latvia could make it if Rudi Voller’s men do not win and Holland or Latvia do in their clash in Braga.

However, Ballack is adamant their approach will be the same as it has been in their previous two games, and that the raised stakes are no added burden.

“The game against the Czech Republic is no different to the other two matches we have played,” he said.

“We wanted to win against the Netherlands and Latvia, and we want to win against the Czech Republic. Nothing has changed and I can’t feel any extra pressure.”

But in his nation’s hour of need, Ballack finds himself the focal point of their hopes.

The 1-1 draw with Holland in their opening game was satisfactory enough, although they might have collected all three points, but Saturday’s stalemate against Latvia came as a huge disappointment.

Voller’s concern centred around the fact that they could not break down Alexanders Starkovs’ battling side, although substitute Miroslav Klose passed up a glorious opportunity to win it in spectacular style at the death with a diving header.

Voller is looking to Ballack to add firepower.

The coach is expected to revert to a 4-5-1 formation after pairing Kevin Kuranyi and Fredi Bobic in attack against Latvia, and Ballack would then operate behind the lone striker.

“It is no secret that Ballack is very important for us,” Voller admitted. “We will have to get him into scoring positions and hopefully he will cash in on the chances.”

Voller has three main injury concerns with Dietmar Hamann, Bernd Schneider and Bastian Schweinsteiger all doubts.

Liverpool midfielder Hamann damaged a thigh against Latvia while Bayer Leverkusen’s Schneider suffered an Achilles problem during the same game.

Schweinsteiger’s calf injury happened in training earlier this week.

All three are expected to be fit and up for selection with the teenager being tipped to earn a first start of the competition if he recovers in time.