England needs to be ‘psychological prepared’ for World Cup glory: Ballack
May 29th, 2010 - 5:22 pm ICT by ANI
London, May 29(ANI): Chelsea’s German ace Michael Ballack believes that England has the potential to win next month’s World Cup in South Africa, but said that every single member of the Three Lions’ squad needs to be ‘psychological prepared’ for the tournament.
“Quality-wise, England definitely have one of the best teams along with Spain and Brazil with regards to individual players and there is a good chance they could win. They have a new coach who has introduced discipline and order and, I think, a winning mentality,” The Sun quoted Ballack, as saying.”They are going to take a lot of confidence to the World Cup and, if they do, they will achieve a lot,” he added.
Ballack further said that he doubts if England has the mental toughness to face penalty shootouts, which have proved to be their downfall on five occasions at major championships.
“The question is how do they get on as a team, how are they going to work together when it is important to stick together? Will they still be able to perform then? That has been a bit of a problem in the past,” Ballack said.
“With penalties, it is purely psychological. You need to be able to keep your nerves under control. You need to be able to focus. You just need to stay calm and, as the saying goes, keep your cool.”"It’s a special situation where you are under a lot of mental pressure and where there is something to play for. It is 80, 90 per cent mental work when you are on your way to the penalty spot,” he added. (ANI)
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Tags: brazil, chelsea, coach, confidence, discipline, downfall, german ace, good chance, london, mental toughness, mentality, michael ballack, nerves, occasions, penalty shootouts, south africa, spain, three lions, tournament quality, world cup glory