[Trim]

Löw: Frings And Ballack Key

Germany manager Joachim Löw has identified that his midfield pairing of Michael Ballack and Torsten Frings are the key to the success of his side at Euro 2008.

Germany play Croatia here on Thursday with both sides on a high following opening victories against Poland and co-hosts Austria respectively.

Both teams are aware that a victory could secure their passage to the quarter-finals and Löw has singled out his veteran midfield pair, both 31, for special praise.

"I think both Frings and Ballack are at their best," he said to AP.

"Frings certainly is the one who makes sure that Ballack can play.

"He plays very sensibly, he keeps his eye on the ball while Ballack plays offensively more often than Frings.

"He [Ballack] closes the gaps when he needs to and he's the one who has got the feel for when he needs to step up to plate.

"We will stick to a flat back four with four midfielders and Ballack can play offensively from the wings, also on the counter-attack and he is then able to fall back and play defensively thanks to his speed."

Löw claims that Germany's confidence is growing due to their recent results, which included 4-0 and 3-0 victories over the co-hosts Switzerland and Austria respectively in warm-up matches, results which confirmed their status amongst the tournament favourites.

"It's true that over the past few months we have become more and more self-confident," he added.

"In a number of games we proved we can implement a concept and put into practice what we have worked on."

But despite the confidence and high levels of performance being shown by his side Löw acknowledges that he still has a lot to learn in the game.

"I can still learn from a number of people and each time I meet a colleague from another team, I try to take things home with me after talking with other coaches, such as Slaven Bilic [Croatia's manager],” he continued.

"It's important for me. He has proved as a young coach that he can take the team in the right direction.

"They had good results in qualifying, beating England and they not only have a strong team but also a strong coach."

Goal.com - Euro 2008 - Löw: Frings And Ballack Key