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The European Championships draws to a close tomorrow at the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna with Germany taking on Spain for the bragging rights. The tournament has proved to be really exciting what with the exciting Turks and Russians providing lots of drama.
On the whole, it has to be said that Germany and Spain are the most deserving two teams for the final showdown. Though Joachim Low’s team lost to Croatia in the group stages, they played some very good football to knock Portugal and Turkey out, the scoreline being 3-2 in both the matches.
Luis Aragones’ men were the second most exciting team after Netherlands in the group stages. They did play out a drab affair against the Italians in the quarterfinals, but against an in-form Russian side, their class showed as Fabregas and company decimated Guus Hiddink’s side. It has to be conceded that Aragones’ decision not to start Fabregas was baffling. But there should be little doubt that the Arsenal midfielder will start the final.
For the Germans though, influential captain Michael Ballack is a doubt. If he does not play, it would be a major blow, because Ballack is one of those people who can change the course of the game. Germany would be hard-pressed to find someone to replace him.
David Villa, though, has surely been ruled out of the final. That puts the onus on Torres who has been surprisingly underperforming in the Euro 2008. Guiza might partner him in attack.
Spain, the perennial underachievers, know that this is a great opportunity for them to shake off that tag, by repeating the success of 1964. Then, they beat the former Soviet Union 2-1. I am expecting Spain to retake the European crown 44 years later with a similar scoreline over Germany.
Prediction: Spain to win 2-1.
Men to watch: Cesc Fabregas, Bastian Schweinsteiger
by Vijay | on Saturday, June 28th, 2008 at 2:32 pm | 
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June 29th, 2008 at 2:03 am
Everybody seems to favor Spain after their convincing performance against Russia. I will personally pick Germany for the Championship because of their big match experience. The Germans always do well when they are overlooked!