Kick off: 19:45
Stadium: Ernst Happel
So after years and years of waiting, Spain has finally made it to a major final. Lets give them some credit here they did beat 2006 world cup winners Italy (Even though it was like reserve Italian team that was fielded – no Pirlo, Gattusso, Nesta, Totti, Cannavaro etc.) Germany was one of the favorites so it’s no surprise that they are now in the final.
Now lets take a closer look at the teams:
Spain – When it comes to major football tournaments lets face it you can place Spain in the top list of underachievers. They suffer from what I call the” great start then relax syndrome “ it’s what they do in every major tournament. So what’s different now?? Is it unity in the squad, the hunger for winning this tournament? Or super talents such as the likes of FernandoTorres, David Villa, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas. Spain has won the European cup only once (in 1964) compared to Germany’s 3 titles (in 1972, 1980 and 1996).
Germany – The opposite can be said for the German football team in terms of Euro success. As said earlier, they have won it three times (in 1972, 1980 and 1996). Arsene Wenger was quoted saying that Germany has a history in many major tournaments(they have won a lot of tournaments) so they have a mentality that they can win it and that is what takes them so far in a lot of major tournaments. now can they defeat Spain on confidence or talent. They have stars such as Captain Michael Ballack, Torsten Frings, Miroslav Klose, Phillip Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger. All who have a lot of experience in major tournaments.
So is it fair to say that since Spain beat Italy it’s safe to say they will beat Germany who couldn’t manage a victory over the Italians in the world cup 2 years ago??? Or Now all we have to do is match up Spain’s talent against Germany’s talent to see who will emerge victorious? If only football was that easy, the ball is round and anything can happen, who wants it more should win it.
Expected Line-ups:
Spain
Injuries: David Villa
Injuries: David Villa
Germany
Injuries: Michael Ballack (Doubtful)
Injuries: Michael Ballack (Doubtful)
Spain was sloppy against a weak Italian side but went through because of the heroics of Iker Casillas. I believe Germany will attack and so will Spain. Germany does not have the best defense but has very good attacking, even Phillip Lahm the left-back who should be defending comes up to score so Spain can expect a German onslaught. Spain has very good defensive midfielders but a now handicapped attack with David Villa injured and surely out for the final, this leaves Fernando Torres who is expected to start alone upfront to be at his very best. The key player in this match will be iker Casillas for Spain ( can he stop the barrage of shots that is expected from Germany) and Michael Ballack for Germany( Germany might just need someone to come up with something special maybe an extra goal is all that wins this important match).
This games sets up nicely as I believe both sides are hungry for Euro2008 glory. It’s going to be a tight match.
This games sets up nicely as I believe both sides are hungry for Euro2008 glory. It’s going to be a tight match.
