"They know all the tricks and secrets," he told reporters on Tuesday. "Together with their quality, it's the way they understand football. They have the full repertoire.
"In character, we're very different from the South Americans and that's no secret. Perhaps it's something they learn from their childhood, it's part of the game and you have to take it into account when you play them.
"It makes them very difficult opponents, but also a very interesting team when they stay within the boundaries."
"He holds an incredible aura for all of us, what he has done for the football world is incredible," said Ballack. "It's fantastic to play against this type of personality."
"People may find it incredible that he has picked over 100 players and, I believe, eight goalkeepers, but I think it just shows that he's spoilt for choice.
"I think when it boils down to it, he has a nucleus of around 30."
