Ballack: Beating U.S. required lots of work, a little luck

Updated: Friday June 21, 2002 11:48 a.m. ET

ULSAN, South Korea (AP) -- Michael Ballack, who scored Germany's winning goal against the United States in Friday's World Cup quarterfinals, acknowledged his team's 1-0 victory required gallons of sweat and a splash of luck.

Ballack sent the three-time champions into the semifinals for the 10th time in their history when he rose high between U.S. defenders Tony Sanneh and Gregg Berhalter to head home a right-wing free kick from Christian Ziege in the 39th minute.

"I'm really happy we're through to the next round but it was a lot of incredibly hard work," Ballack said. "The Americans were extremely fit. They kept running up and down for the entire 90 minutes. It was difficult for us to overcome. They never gave up, they kept pushing, putting us under a lot of pressure.

"We knew that set pieces were one of our strengths. But we also had a bit of luck, which always helps."

The Americans applied heavy pressure on the Germans in the second half, and often only brilliant saves by goalkeeper Oliver Kahn prevented them from equalizing.

"He played a superb match," Ballack said of his team's keeper. "He saved the whole team several times."

Although the Americans finished last in the 1998 World Cup, the Bayern Munich-bound midfielder said they belonged in the last eight this time.

"They have proven their presence in the quarterfinals was no fluke. They really deserved to reach that stage," he said.

Germany coach Rudi Voeller also had praise for Ballack.

"He usually scores goals from that position," Voeller said. "Don't forget, he came to this World Cup not quite fit."

(eb/pb)