Tenero, Switzerland  - Torsten Frings was in more pain than expected over a cracked rib in Germany's Euro 2008 semi-final win over Turkey, but is set to be available for the final just like Simon Rolfes.

Coach Joachim Loew said on Thursday that Rolfes suffered a large cut above his left eye shortly before halftime which required six stitches. This, coupled with a below-par performance, prompted Loew to field Frings for the full second half.

Loew said that "he (Rolfes) will be available for the final" in Vienna on Sunday against Spain or Russia.

"I had a lot of problems," admitted Frings, who was originally not to play in order get some more rest. But the emergency situation then came to field him after all.

Loew praised Frings' performance and said "he now has three more days to rest before the final... You can't fool around with a cracked rib."

Loew also spoke highly of Frings for accepting a place on the bench - two years after being suspended from the 2006 World Cup semi- final which Germany lost against Italy.

"He was very disappointed. But then he knocked on my door again and said 'I would would have decided the same way if I had been the coach. I am only 90 or 95 per cent and can possible help in a better way by coming on later.'

"This shows the true greatness of the leading player Torsten Frings," Loew said. (dpa)