[Trim]

Ballack Can Win It For Germany - Bierhoff

Former Germany striker and now team manager Oliver Bierhoff believes Michael Ballack is capable of leading the current side to the same glory achieved in 1996...

Germany picked up their last major international honour in England 12 years ago, famously beating the hosts on penalty kicks in the semi-finals before taking care of underdogs the Czech Republic in the final.

Despite since managing a World Cup final in 2002, semi-final in 2006 and slightly less quarterfinal in 1998, Germany have not won a single game in the European Championships in the intervening period.

Indeed, the most successful club in the history of the competition crashed out in the group stages of both Euro 2000 and 2004, but Bierhoff believes Ballack can be the difference this time around, particularly due to his red-hot form for Chelsea towards the end of the season, that saw them come within a whisker of both the Premier League and the Champions League, only for Manchester United to grab both honours.

"Ballack has all the qualities you need [to be the most valuable player] and could grace the stage of such a big tournament," said Bierhoff, who played no small part in Germany's last win in the competition, scoring both goals in the 1996 final.

"He sees the chance to win a title, something that he missed out on over the last few weeks."

Goal.com - Euro 2008 - Ballack Can Win It For Germany - Bierhoff