Spain Have Been The Most Consistent - Hitzlsperger

Hitzlsperger did not start the tournament for Spain, but was drafted in to increase the strength in midfield, replacing promising striker Mario Gomez, who looked out of touch in the group games.

The versatile midfielder believes the key to stopping Spain is to stifle them: "We got to close them down, then we have a good chance.

"It's the biggest game of my career. We've grown throughout the tournament and I think we can create problems for them. They have been the most consistent team in the tournament.

"It's two good teams facing each other. We've had some difficulties, but we deserve to be in the final."

Germany captain and star player Michael Ballack is a doubt for the final due to an injury, six years after missing the 2002 World Cup final (which was lost to Brazil) due to suspension.

"He's proven over the years how important he is for the team," Hitzlsperger said of Ballack. "He's scored so many important goals. He has a big presence on the field, he's a leader, he is someone the younger players look up to. If he is out, someone else will have to step up."

With Spain missing an equally key player in tournament top scorer David Villa, Hitzlsperger believes it will not serve to be such a big blow. "They're such a good side, they don't depend on one player. They can compensate for the absence of Villa.

"We have to close them down, and we have to do it early. They keep the ball and make you run, and the worst thing you can do against them is to run, you get tired. If we can close them down, we can beat them."


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