The Grand Finale

The Euro draws to a close tomorrow with the battle between two of the touted favourites before the tournament, the Germans and the Spanish.

Past Success
The Germans have one of the most fruitful history out of all the European teams, they are the winners of the World Cup on three occasions and are gunning to add their fourth Euro title tomorrow. The last time they were in a Cup Final was in the 2002 World Cup, in which they lost 2-0 to Brazil. Germany's strong footballing culture will be tested against a team that has been supposedly be stuck by a curse.

Spain's history compared to Germany's is borderline pathetic, with a best of a 4th place finish in the World Cup and only 1 European Championship to boast. Their last Cup Final was in 1984, 24 years a long time between drinks.

Score: Germany 1 - 0 Spain

Qualification for Euro 08
The build up (ie qualification) to the Euro is usually a reasonable way to see who are potential champions or who deserve to be. Germany was pitted into a reasonably mid-tier group with the likes of Czech, Ireland and Wales. However as the games rolled on, Czech and Germany pulled ahead, Germany however choked on a couple of occasions like losing 0-3 to Czech at home and drawing with the home nations, that cost them the placing as first seed in their group. However their performances were often quite strong and was rightly reflected by Podolski's 8 goal tally in qualifying.

Spain were pitted into a low-tier group with their main competition as Sweden and Denmark. However Northern Ireland was a complete surprise package when Healy took home the Ball after bagging a hattrick at Windsor Park. With a further lose to Sweden away, Spain looked shaky but found their form for their remaining games by securing 25 points from a possible 27. David Villa was Spain's highest scorer in qualifying with a total of 7 goals. However this achievement was greatly shadowed by Healy's amazing 13 goals. But winning was what mattered at the end of the day, and their awesome form in their last 9 matches meant they secured the honours of being the top seed.

Score: German 1 - 1 Spain

Players
Both teams have an array of talent in all positions of the field.

GK: Germany's GK, Jens "The Lemon" Lehmann according to most is like a maverick. Still first choice at 38, Jens has been made the number 1 jersey his own for many a year. Although Jens is never congratulated for winning games, he has pulled off many stunning saves at crucial moments to keep both Arsenal and Germany in the game. However, being a Maverick, he has his odd decision making skills which has embarrassed him and his defense on multiple occasions (take the Champions League final against Barcelona and the mistake against Croatia). Sometimes the pressure does get to him.
Spain's captain and number 1 Casillas has been regarded as being one of the best in the world, however has failed to really 'take it to the next level'. This season has been of better luck and a solid performance against Italy has shown that he does have something in his hat that he can pull out. At a reasonable 'young' age of 27 (young compared to most other international GKs) his 9 years of being Real Madrid's first choice gives him fantastic experience and transposes his calmness of mind when the pressure builds.

Defense
Not much needed to be said here, its really a Humpty Dumpty vs Gravity. And Humpty being Germany. Besides Lahm, Germany's defense has been a real disaster with major lapses in concentration and lack of team understanding. Spain's has been a total opposite, calm and solid throughout, Sergio Ramos has really shown the world his class after totally shutting out the Russian whiz 'Arshavin in their last match. Germany will likely again focus on scoring at least 3 goals to compensate for their defensive inability. However against Torres, and lucky for them not Villa as well, they may just not fall off the wall not as hard. However it is most likely they will still splat and cause a real trouble for the German team.

Midfield
Both midfields are pinnacle to their teams success. Most teams in the Euro have proven this way, save Russia, Turkey and Italy (these three relied more on their attackers which ultimately failed). With Ballack doubtful, Germany does have a hole to fill, Borowski is a possible replacement but a slight step down, however it has been Sweinsteiger that has been the core force in the German side his sending off was questionable (it was assault no question, but arose due to the Ref's inability to control the player's tempers) but the one match ban was justified. Sweinsteiger came back stronger and has proven to be that creative spark that Germany need to get the goals.
Spains midfield combination has surprised many with the hugely talented Fabregas being forced to play second fiddle to Senna. However it has worked out in a positive manner, Fabregas coming on in the later stages has shown his ability to exploit tiring defenses who leaves gaps for his striker to pounce on. When Fab does start he would be played out of position like against Greece and really restricting his influence. With the likes of Iniesta, Xavi and Silva the combination is magnificent and will work wonders for Aragones.

Attackers
Germany and Spain promotes the two most lethal striking partnerships in the world. Not many other teams can tout such talents in their front and have them work so well together. Klose and Podolski has been extremely efficient and their understanding is impeccable. Time and time again they have proven to be the most feared partnership even at the highest of standards. Spain boast Villa and Torres, two that have made their own report in their own rights. With both bagging 20+ goals last season, they are the hottest properties around Europe with many clubs chasing the signature of Villa. However, Villa 'pulled a hammy' against Russia and will not take part. His replace, Guiza, is a hugely potent strike force as well, his exquisite lob against Akinfeev has shown his ability sight for goal justifies his top-scorer title in the La Liga after chalking up 27 goals. His play however is significantly different to that of Villas and no doubt Aragones needs to form a tactical approach to make Torres and Guiza work together. However Torres has been off target so far but continues to threaten. Nevertheless the understanding between the two still remains a gap meaning they are unlikely to feed off each other.
Germany in my opinion has the better attacking combination even if Villa had started, however skill to skill wise Spain wins by a significant distance.

Spain wins in the GK, Defense area, draw in the Midfield area and lost out to Germany up front.
Meaning they win this category 2:1

Score: Germany 1 : 2 Spain

Mentality
Most finals usually go to extra time and penalties. And everyone knows, Germans don't miss. This is because of their strong mentality and their desire to be the best. Many teams have played past the 90 minute mark and in such heat, the players tire quickly and tactics usually no longer work. Desire kicks in and its all about how much each player wants to win and how much they are willing to sacrifice to get there. Spain might want the cup badly as they have been starved of glory for 44 years but if it ends up as a will of desire, few will bet against Germany.

Score Germany 2 : 2 Spain