Germany VS Spain PREVIEW

The Euro 2008 final is a matchup worth waiting for. Spain has looked like the best team throughout the tournament, scoring frequently and dominating the pace of play. Known for short, controlling passes, Spain possessed the ball for an incredible 65% of their semifinal match with Russia. Germany has slowly played its way into form with the side which was one of the favorites at the last World Cup. Germany's front line is capable of scoring at any time and the Germans have the size to dominate set pieces.


The injury to David Villa could be a big storyline in this match. His hat trick to open the tournament set the tone for Spain, and he has been a stalwart for them so far as the leading scorer. More pressure will now fall on Fernando Torres, who has shown flashes of brilliance but also scuffled at time. Cesc Fabregas, a young extremely talented attacking midfielder, is expected to replace David Villa in the starting XI, and he has been instrumental in creating some of their scoring opportunities, especially against Russia. The real question will be the difference in the Spanish formation with only one true striker, as opposed to the pair of strikers which Aragones has used to great effect so far. With only one target forward, Fabregas' opportunities may be limited. On the other hand, the German defense has looked rather vulnerable at times, and the Spanish are well-suited to take advantage with their quickness.


For the Germans, Schweinsteiger and Podolski have looked almost unstoppable. If Miroslav Klose can come anywhere near his form of two years ago, this has to be the most formidable striking force in the tournament. However, Klose has struggled, even though he's scored twice. The German attack is best when Lahm or some of the other defenders are able to push forward and open things up, but that will be extremely dangerous with the faster Spanish lurking behind them for a counterattack. The Germans need an outstanding game from Lahm and others at both ends of the field if they hope to really test the Spanish.

The case for Spain:
The quicker, younger, faster team, the Spanish should be able to control possession and create plenty of opportunities by running or dribbling past the slower German defenders. Their speed should force the German fullbacks to stay back, limiting the German numbers forward and forcing the three offensive players to play by themselves. Spain has been the best team all tournament, and should continue that form.

The case for Germany:
The Germans have a big advantage in experience, returning most of their team from the last World Cup and playing with the confidence of a solid international record in major tournaments. Spain still has a reputation for choking on the biggest stages, and an early German lead could really test the Spaniards' nerves, since they haven't trailed at all in the elimination rounds. In addition, the Germans can counterattack quite well, and appear accustomed to having limited possession of the ball, so the Spanish possession style shouldn't bother them. Turkey appeared to control the pace of play for much of their semifinal, but Germany was patient and struck very effectively when the opportunity presented itself.

Prediction:
Spain, 3-1. (but I will pray Germany wins)

It is the second biggest game on the soccer calendar behind the World Cup Final and tomorrow's Euro 2008 final between Spain and Germany has the potential to be a great final. Some of the matchups that we will be paying close attention to tomorrow are:

Goalkeeper: Advantage Spain
Spain's Goalkeeper Iker Casillas has solidified his reputation as one of the worlds top goalkeepers (at least according to some blog) while Germany's keeper Jens Lehmann has looked shaky in almost every game.

Defense: Advantage Spain
Germany's traditionally strong defense has been open up way too easily this tournament. Their full backs were run ragged by the Turks on Wednesday and this has to be an area that Spain will look to exploit.

The Spanish defense has not attracted many headlines, which it not necessarily a bad thing. Central defender Carles Puyol has barely put a foot wrong all tournament. Midfield: Advantage Germany
German leader Michael Ballack has been one of the stars of this tournament and I expect him to dominate the middle of the field on Sunday. Ballack has had great support from wide men Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski are both having great tournaments and look a constant goal threat while Torsten Frings will add some power if, as expected, he returns to the starting lineup.

Cesc Fabregas will start on Sunday for Spain and how well he plays will have a huge baring on the game. If Fabregas is playing well then Spain can play at a faster tempo and Xavi can push forward more to support Torres. A fast tempo suits Spain. A slow tempo suits Germany.

Forwards: Advantage Germany
With the loss of David Villa, Spain will play Fernando Torres in a lone striker role which is not his best position. I think that Torres has been disappointing and I expect to see the Spanish league top scorer Daniel Guiza will probably take over during the second half.

For Germany, Miroslav Klose has scored in the last two games and is beginning to regain the confidence that made him the 2006 World Cup's top scorer. The German height advantage is something that will they will try and take advantage of with lots of crosses from Schweinsteiger and Podolski aimed towards Klose. Winner
Cup finals are notoriously hard to predict because you never know if the fear of losing overcomes the willingness to be adventurous. I am hoping that Sunday's Euro 2008 matches the excitement and drams that the tournament has provided and expect to see Spain win by the odd goal, 2-1 or 3-2.