Michael Ballack will lead Chelsea to the Champions League title later this month and then play a dominant role as Germany captain at Euro 2008 as well, according to German football icon Franz Beckenbauer, dpa reported.
"Chelsea will win (the Champions League final against Manchester United on May 21) thanks to a deciding goal from Michael Ballack," Beckenbauer said in an interview with Wednesday's edition of Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Beckenbauer said he believes that Ballack will then shine at the June 7-29 Euro tournament in Austria and Switzerland where he hopes that German can avenge their 2-0 World Cup semi-final loss in 2006 against later champions Italy.
"I favour Italy, Germany, France and the Netherlands," said Beckenbauer, adding that he doesn't expect a surprise winner like Greece in 2004.
Germany and Italy can not meet before the final at Euro 2008.
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