Graphic: Germany v Turkey

Michael Ballack has been chosen by luminaries such as Arsène Wenger and Luiz Felipe Scolari as the outstanding player of the European Championship finals, but his influence stretches far beyond his performances on the pitch. Joachim Löw, the Germany coach, admitted yesterday that Ballack was primarily responsible for the change in tactics that enabled Germany to overwhelm Portugal in last week's quarter-final, with the Chelsea midfield player imploring his coach to switch to a five-man midfield to counter their opponents' attacking threat.

Löw will stick with the 4-2-3-1 system for tonight's semi-final against Turkey, with Torsten Frings likely to have recovered from a rib injury in time to replace Thomas Hitzlsperger in midfield. “My preferred system is the 4-4-2, but I am likely to be able to change it,” Löw said. “Of course, I would not be a good coach if I didn't listen to my captain and my players. But my players listen to me, too. One cannot pass from one system to another by just doing it. It has to be an agreement, a discussion, even if it is me who takes the final decision.”

Ballack was more open about the extent of his influence when revealing the details of a crisis meeting held after Germany's group-stage defeat by Croatia. The 31-year-old wants to rid himself of the nearly-man tag, having lost two Champions League finals and a World Cup semi-final, and he is prepared to lay down the law himself, if necessary, for Germany to be successful.

“I am more of a captain now,” Ballack said. “I am two years older than in the World Cup and my influence has become greater. I discuss training sessions with the coach more often, as we've been working together for four years. We talk often and he asks me what I think. We've got to know each other better and better and I'm completely at one with the thoughts of the coach. He knows he can rely on me and I can rely on him.

“After the Croatia defeat, we had an important meeting. As captain, I naturally demanded to discuss our weak points. In certain situations, the team had become a little careless. It only affected us by a few per cent, but it had to be addressed. Everyone had to understand the problems and I dealt with certain players very vigorously, using tougher language than I would have liked. I am not an aggressive guy, but if it concerns the achievement of the national team, then I will show no restraint.”