The 31-year-old captain of Germany is at the summit of a distinguished career and the European Championship would be a fitting crown.

"I am very calm. All of us see a great chance to be in the final and win the title," Ballack said as his team prepared for today's semifinal game with Turkey in Basel, Switzerland. "It's up to us."

The other semifinal has Spain meeting Russia in Vienna tomorrow. The championship game will be played in Vienna on Sunday.

"They know how to adjust to opponents and that shows they are very strong mentally," Ballack said of the surprising Turks. "Their coach knows how to motivate them and they will be a very uncomfortable opponent. Hats off to them for reaching the semifinal, but we shouldn't overestimate them, either."

Germany beat Portugal 3-2 in the quarterfinals, and Turkey tied Croatia 1-1 with the last kick of extra time of their quarterfinal; Turkey won the shootout.

Ballack expects a different game with Turkey.

"I expect them to be more defensive, I think we will have more possession. We won't underestimate them. We respect everyone and we expect a difficult job," Ballack said.

Ballack has scored 38 goals in 85 games for the national team. He had several vital goals in Germany's run to the 2002 World Cup final, but missed the championship game because of a suspension; Germany lost to Brazil, 2-0.

Two years ago at home, Germany reached the World Cup semifinals, but lost 2-0 to eventual champion Italy, conceding the decisive goals in extra time.

"We have to be committed until the final whistle," Ballack said. "Of course we are motivated by that exit against Italy. Now we want to take that final step. We need two very good performances to lift the trophy." *