Pole axing can't cut out Ballack's anguish

Michael Ballack today revealed he is still suffering from a Champions League hangover despite helping Germany get their Euro 2008 campaign off to the perfect start.

The Chelsea midfielder said the pain of losing to Manchester United on penalties was still fresh.

Asked if last night's victory in Klagenfurt - Germany's first in this tournament since they won Euro 96 - had helped ease the agony of Moscow, he said: "No. That will take some time to go away. That was a big, big match and you can't compare that with this game - although it is nice to win the first match here.

"In Moscow we were so close to winning the trophy of the Champions League. It is still difficult because that was a major final."

Ballack also added that although he had endured a long hard season with Chelsea, he was delighted with his level of fitness.

He added: "I am happy that I am fit because I had a long injury this season. But I was prepared for this tournament, unlike a lot of players at the end of the season.

"I do not feel tired and that is nice for me. I think Germany has a good team and a good chance [of winning Euro 2008], but we still have to work hard." Germany won the Group B clash thanks to a double strike from Bayern Munich frontman Lukas Podolski and Ballack believes it was an "important victory".

"Its difficult because it was the first game and we were the favoured team," he said. "But it is good that we have filled the expectations of us.