Jul 8, 2006, 23:20 GMT
Stuttgart - Germany captain Michael Ballack said playing for the national team had become 'tremendous fun' under Juergen Klinsmann and he hoped the coach would stay in charge after the World Cup.
But Ballack said he could understand the coach wanting to consider his position after the criticism he took before the tournament.
'Klinsmann had a lot of opposition for a long time and had many critics before the tournament. During the tournament everything went very well and then everything was great for them.
'But you have to look at the two years before when he really had to fight. Some of the criticism was without respect and affected him. Now he wants to consider and I can understand him, but I hope he continues.
'For us it has been tremendous fun, not just the six weeks at the World Cup but over the two years with everything he introduced around the team.
'What counts is success and I am pleased that his method have been confirmed.'
Ballack also praised goalkeeper Oliver Kahn who announced his retirement from the national team after the 3-1 win over Portugal.
'I spoke to him shortly before the match and I knew it was going to be his last game,' said Ballack, who was sidelined for the match with a knee injury.
'I think it is great that he got this farewell game. He deserved it. It would have been a pity if he had taken part in this success but not have played.
'He is clear with himself and that is important as a player. He has really contributed to the success of the team. He pushed the team and had a special status in the squad.
'He is a great personality. He showed in this game today that he is a complete professional who was absolutely focused at the right moment. That speaks for his great class.'
Kahn confirmed: 'It was my last match for the country today. It couldn't have been on a greater occasion, and I can't imagine a nicer way to finish.
'It's incredible what football can achieve. I'll certainly never forget this. People will carry this in their hearts for a long time.'
Ballack said the whole tournament had been 'fantastic' for the team.
'We were really missing only two minutes (against Italy in the semi-final) for the really big success. Right now it is a super feeling and we want to celebrate.'
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