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CHELSEA FC: BALLACK PREPARES FOR TURKISH CHALLENGE

/noticias.info/ Michael Ballack is not underestimating his country's opponents ahead of tomorrow night's Euro 2008 semi-final.

Ballack will lead Germany out against Turkey, who have so far proved themselves a formidable force, with only the final in his sights. But, despite a depleted Turkish side, the Chelsea midfielder is ready for a tough test at St. Jakob Park in Basel.

'Turkey are certainly not better than us tactically, technically and in terms of individual players,' said Ballack, who excelled in Germany's 3-2 win over Portugal last week.

'But they are unpredictable and they won't underestimate any of us.'

'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.'

Three-time European Champions Germany will be favourites for the fixture after winning four of their last five semi-finals in the competition while Turkey find themselves in the final four for the first time.

However, perhaps as the underdogs, Turkey have captured the emotions of Euro 2008 with their performances, three of which include miraculous comebacks.

None of these were more noticeable than their 3-2 victory over the Czech Republic, despite going into the second half with a two-goal deficit.

Chelsea fans may remember Turkey's coach Fatih Terim as the man who managed Galatasaray to their 5-0 defeat when the Blues travelled to Istanbul for the Champions League in 1999.

He will now face several selection woes as Turkey are expected to front a depleted side for the semi-final.

With the possibility of just 13 outfield players available for the game, Terim may even be forced to play third choice keeper Tolgan Zengin outfield while UEFA uphold Volkan Demirel's suspension, after the Turkish keeper was shown a red card during their match with Czech Republic.

English born Kazim-Richards should be available, a goal-scorer for Fernebahcé when Chelsea faced them last season for the Champions League in Istanbul, he will be expected to take up his role on the right or in the centre of midfield.

Goal-scoring substitute Semih Senturk, who also faced Chelsea in the Champions League for Fernebahcé last season, helped secure Turkey's 2-1 victory over Switzerland in the European competition and should also be available on Wednesday.

Joachim Löw's side have no such worries as Germany remain at full-strength going into this game.

Ballack's wining goal against Portugal will help carry the captain's momentum into this fixture and Germany's record in the competition will surely help keep confidence high as they prepare.

The squad has changed little from that which finished third in the last World Cup and Löw, former assistant to Jürgen Klinsmann, inherited a strong 4-4-2 formation that he has only re-jigged slightly since his appointment as manager.

By Christian Collison notas_de_prensa_archivo