After 30 games and a lot of drama and excitement we are now expecting the big game. There is no doubt that the best teams in this tournament made it to the final. Both Germany and Spain showed impressive and effective play and now a highly anticipated clash will separate them.
It wasn’t an easy tournament for the German team as the players led by Lowe had to step in some serious battle on the road to the final. The second place in the group phase was a bit surprising and the Germans had to face a strong Portugal side. However, both games in the knock out stage so far ended as German victories, but coach Lowe is probably concerned about his defense as 4 goals were allowed. It’s the only issue he needs to deal with, midfielders and forwards proved to be capable of scoring. Frings is the only player with injury but despite the broken rib, he managed to handle the pain and play as a substitute against Turkey. It’s unlikely that he will be in the starting eleven. Lowe will certainly tweak his midfield as the strong and quick Spanish midfielders are a serious threat. It’s the sixth Euro final for Germany with the record showing that the bundes team won in 1972, lost in 1976, won in 1980, lost in 1992, won in 1996. What will it be this time? Will the pattern stay the same? Or the experienced side will end the win-lose-win-lose-win tradition? The odds suggest that history will once again prevail, but whenever Germany is playing everything could happen.
The Spanish side is sweeping everything on the way to the final. Aragones is leading a team of gifted players that are capable of winning the trophy. There were clean sheets in both knock out game so far, with the Spanish team dominating over the Azzurri and the Russians. La Furia Espanola lost a key player against Russia, as top scorer Villa picked up an injury that forced a substitute after 30 minutes. But coach Aragones revealed that playing with just one forward proved to be a successful turn of events against Russia. However, Guiza looks like an excellent replacement option. It will be the third Euro final for Spain. The last one was 24 years ago against a might French team. The Spanish side rarely succeeds on a major tournament and now, with the trophy only a win away, the players led by Aragones will be highly motivated to neutralize their rivals. The overall performance in this tournament sets the Spanish side as a favorite. Will they manage to exploit their strength?
In a game like this everything could happen. I expect the Spanish to be dominating. Despite being a final game, I expect goals in it. The Spanish attack is productive and the Germans tend to allow goals in the knock out stage. My pick for the final is Over 2.5.
vs
