2004 Germany Home – Michael Ballack #13 XL

In 2004, Michael Ballack served as the heartbeat and captain of a transitioning German national team during a disappointing UEFA Euro 2004 campaign. Wearing the #13 jersey, Ballack was the most experienced and talented player in a youthful squad that failed to win a single match and was eliminated in the group stage. Despite his personal effort, Germany’s lack of attacking bite and tactical identity led to an early exit.

🏆 Germany at UEFA Euro 2004 (Group D – Group Stage Exit)

Group Matches:

• ⚖️ 1–1 vs Netherlands – Ballack played full 90

• ⚖️ 0–0 vs Latvia – Germany struggled to break down a compact defense

• ❌ 1–2 vs Czech Republic – Ballack scored a brilliant goal, but it wasn’t enough
  ➡️ 3rd place in Group D, eliminated with 2 points

This performance led to the resignation of head coach Rudi Völler and ushered in a rebuild that culminated in success a decade later.

⚽ Michael Ballack’s Role & Stats

• Position: Central Midfielder / Attacking Midfielder

• Matches Played: 3

• Goals: 1 (vs Czech Republic)

• Leadership: Wore the captain’s armband, directed tempo, led with intensity

• Notable: Ballack created the most chances for Germany and was their only goalscorer in the tournament

Though surrounded by an inexperienced team, Ballack’s quality and drive were evident, and he was widely praised even in defeat.

🇩🇪 Germany Euro 2004 Squad

Coach: Rudi Völler

Goalkeepers

• Oliver Kahn (#1 – Captain)

• Jens Lehmann

• Timo Hildebrand

Defenders

• Christian Wörns

• Arne Friedrich

• Andreas Hinkel

• Philipp Lahm

• Frank Baumann

• Jens Nowotny

• Thomas Linke

Midfielders

• Michael Ballack (#13 – Vice Captain)

• Torsten Frings

• Dietmar Hamann

• Bernd Schneider

• Bastian Schweinsteiger

• Sebastian Kehl

• Paul Freier

• Fabian Ernst

Forwards

• Miroslav Klose

• Kevin Kurányi

• Lukas Podolski

• Fredi Bobic

• Oliver Neuville