Let’s face it – Germany and Spain haven’t had smooth-sailing journeys to the last lap of the Euro 2008 competition. But kudos to both teams for doing well so far and coming within a hair’s breadth away of lifting that coveted trophy on Sunday evening (Switzerland/Austria time).

The Germans have proven that they’re a well-oiled tournament-trained team during last gasp 3-2 win against Turkey in the semifinal. Deutschland has the mental and physical strength to come through victorious when the odds are turned against their favour.

Similarly, Spain has demonstrated that they aren’t consistent underachievers at major tournaments and definitely not a 2-man team consisting of only Fernando Torres and David Villa. Unfortunately, due to a muscle strain, Villa will have to be content with watching the action from the stands.

Key midfielders such as Xavi Hernadez and Cesc Fabregras have also dominated their territory and provided ample assists for their forwards. Their flair, game flow and passing ability have allowed Spain to rise to the top of their group. The Spaniards will be entering into their first final of a major soccer tournament since their defeat to the French at Euro 1984.

It’s anybody’s guess which team will emerge victorious. UrbanWire shares some thoughts about the upcoming crunch-match.

 

Expected Line-Up

Germany 4-2-3-1



Spain 4-1-4-1

Players To Watch

Germany: Lukas Podolski

The fleet-footed striker, who is the top scorer in the German team with 3 goals in the competition, doubles up as a left-winger and is able to unlock even the tightest of defences with his blistering pace.

Spain: Cesc Fàbregas

This 21-year-old is a talented central midfielder with the ability to create something out of nothing. Germany will need to keep a close watch on him to prevent the heartbeat and visionary of Spain from creating any opportunities for his teammates to slot the ball past Jens Lehmann


Key Battles

RamosVS Podolski

The strong Spanish right-back can’t afford to venture too much upfield, lest the German winger uses the exposed space behind him to wreak havoc within the Spanish defence. It is almost impossible to call the victor of this skirmish, but you can be sure that Ramos will put up a fierce fight.

Fabregas VS Rolfes

Fabregas should have no problem slicing through the German midfield with both Senna and Xavi luring the Germans towards them to give Fabregas the space that he thrives on to work his magic. Even if the Germans don’t fall for it, Fabregas is more than capable of conjuring something up from nothing. UrbanWire predicts that Fabregas will win this midfield battle hands down (pun unintended).

Senna VS Ballack

Senna would have to be at his best to stop the marauding Ballack from endangering his team’s goalmouth. Ballack, whose long shots are deadly, is also capable of making incisive forward runs and will need to be closed down hard and fast by Senna.

Nevertheless, the German captain has proven time and time again for both his country and clubs that he can be the hero of his team with crucial goals in the dying seconds of the game. We say that Ballack will win this clash, if he manages to overcome his calf injury to play.

Torres VS Mertesacker

The speedy Torres would easily outpace and outrun the slower Mertesacker. Perhaps we would see Metzelder coming to his teammate’s aid, which is unless there isn’t a certain Fabregas lurking behind Torres. Torres is expected to leave Mertesacker eating his dust.

Weak Links

Germany: It would easily be the aging Jens Lehmann. The German custodian’s lack of agility has been evident throughout this competition, which led to several gaffes and eventually, goals against his team.

Spain: Spain’s strength might turn to be one of their biggest weaknesses. Playing an attacking style of football, they tend to throw forward their numbers with little concern of defence. The two centre-backs of Puyol and Marchena may not be enough to fend off a swift German counterattack with another dangerous speed demon waiting in the wings- Bastian Schweinsteiger.


Why Spain Could Win

Perennial favourites in all footballing competition, Spain has rarely lived up to expectations and has been in a slump, until now. The Spanish armada again docks at a major championship made for success.

With their team ranked 4th in the world of soccer, many Spanish fans are confident that this current team is able to pick up where they left off 34 years ago. It’s particularly confident, judging from the rising talents such as Fernando Torres, Sergio Ramos and goalkeeper Ilker Casillas, that Spain has formed a superb team base.

Luis Aragones, the Spanish national coach, is blessed with a wealth of talent in terms of world-class players. Spain has a side capable playing entertaining football and knocking in the goals.

With players like Torres supported by a star-studded midfield boasting the flair and gifts of Cesc Fabregas, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, Spain could easily rip Germany apart with their fast flowing football.


Why Germany Could Win

History is on Germany’s side. Crowned champions 3 times during the World Cup (1954, 1974 and 1990) Germany finished in 2nd place 4 times (1966, 1982 and 1986, 2002) on the world’s biggest footballing stage, and had a 3rd place finish at the 2006 World Cup.

Germany won the European Championships thrice (1972 and 1980, 1996) and finished as runners-up twice (1976, 1992).

Such impressive credentials make it a straightforward case for why the Germans emanate confidence of meeting the high expectations of them at this year’s Euro 2008.

The attacking mentality instituted by their national coach, Joachim Löw, is used to great effect in taking advantage of the speed, expertise and effectiveness of the newest talented crop of rising stars in the form of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm and Lukas Podolski.

Joined with the youngsters is also an abundance of experience in the squad, which includes veterans like Jens Lehmann in goal, Michael Ballack and Miroslav Klose in attack.

With a lethal attack and solid defence, the Germans are ready to deal damage while keeping their back lines safe. This team has also the right mix of youth and vitality coupled with stability and experience.

Predictions

These are UrbanWire’s picks for Germany (H) VS Spain (A)

Final Winning Team: Spain (A)

Total Goals: 3

Handicap: Germany +1.5

Half-time/Full-time: 1/1 – 1/2

Final Score: Germany 1 Spain

Pictures taken from Wikimedia Commons

Disclaimer: UrbanWire’s soccer predictions are published solely for entertainment purposes and readers are reminded to exercise discretion with the usage of the information published. UrbanWirewill not be held responsible for any misadventure or loss of assets which may arise from the usage of the information.