Michael BallackBallack's record with Germany is an immensely proud one. From June 2005, Germany has never lost a game when he has scored.
That streak held true as the captain added four goals during Germany's campaign to reach next summer's finals.
His international debut did not come until April 28, 1999, when he came on as a substitute for Dietmar Hamann in a match against Scotland. Ballack only played 63 minutes at Euro 2000 but in the 2002 World Cup, he scored in matches against the United States and South Korea during the knock-out rounds as Germany progressed to the final. However, after a booking during the semi-final match against South Korea and was suspended for the final, which Germany went on to lose 2-0 to Brazil.
Following Euro 2004, Jurgen Klinsmann replaced Rudi Völler at the helm of the national team and Ballack took over from Oliver Kahn as captain.
In the 2006 World Cup, he was unable to start in Germany's first game against Costa Rica due to a calf strain, but appeared in the following five matches. Germany were eliminated in the semi-finals but they managed to clinch third place in a match against Portugal, with Ballack named man of the match in the games against Ecuador and Argentina.
