Match #31 :: The Final :: Sunday 29 June [R]

[unclesox]

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/224/180pxdfbeaglesvgrh9.png http://austria2008.au.ohost.de/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/new_henri_delaunay_trophy.jpg http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/228/selesptr6pl2.jpg


Sunday 29 June
Vienna - Ernst Happel
20:45 Central European / 2:45pm North American eastern


Recent form (last five international results)
- GERMANY: WLWWW
3-2 v Turkey (EURO)
3-2 v Portugal (EURO)
1-0 v Austria (EURO)
1-2 v Croatia (EURO)
2-0 v Poland (EURO)
- SPAIN: WWWDW
3-0 v Russia (EURO)
0-0aet, 4-2penalties v Italy (EURO)
2-1 v Greece (EURO)
2-1 v Sweden (EURO)
4-1 v Russia (EURO)


Last meeting between teams
12 February 2003
Friendly in Palma de Mallorca
Spain 3-1 Germany
1-0 Raúl 31'
1-1 Bobic 38'
2-1 Raúl 75'(pen)
3-1 Guti 81'


History
Played: 19
Germany wins: 8
Spain wins: 5
Draws: 6
Goals scored: Germany 27, Spain 21

[Oscar]

Friendlies sadly don't count :(

I don't care what happens just as long as the Germans don't win the Cup

[1a Schnitzel]

aahh, today I can say Germany will win it hands down. Our keeper can already go on vacation. Spain just looks terribly weak! :D

oooh, we might get slaughtered by these little speedy Gonzales'. They are so quick you cant even foul them. Scarry cloudy forecast for sunday.

[Caesar]

For Australians, this match will be 4AM Eastern on SBS.

[vancity eagle]

Spain has easily been the best team of this tournament, I don't care what happens in the final. Germany has had one good game all tournament and struggled against average and below average sides. The only thing is that Germany is mentally much stronger than the Spanish.

[unclesox]

ESPN reporting that Aragones, during his post-match news conference, has already ruled out David Villa for the final. They didn't say what the injury was.

[Suyuntuy]

Mental strength is the key. That's what makes winning against some teams so hard.

Also, trends. If Team A tends to lose to Team B, even if Team A is doing great, chances are they'll come out all shy and scared to play Team B and lose. Even if Team B is crappy.

The last time Germany and Spain played was five years ago, so we don't have direct results that can help predict anything.

Judging from recent form and results, I'd say Spain is a slight favorite (barely winning over Peru and USA didn't impress me; on the other hand, Germany has struggled the whole tournament).

In defence, I'd give a slight edge to the Germans. The midfield is clearly in Spain's favor. The attack is strong in both team. The keeper may be the difference, and Casillas has been better than Lehmann IMO.

It's going to be a great game if the Spaniards come to play. I know for sure the Germans will, they are much more consistent.

[Oscar]

Marca still reporting he's only dudoso to play, let's hope they're right. Not having Villa would be horrible, not decisive, but horrible.

[Caesar]

Spain is currently favoured by the bookmakers: Ladbrokes is offering 4/7 compared to 5/4 to Germany.

It's going to be a tight game.

[+Gooner+]

Spain is currently favoured by the bookmakers: Ladbrokes is offering 4/7 compared to 5/4 to Germany.

It's going to be a tight game.

Excellent. Lately we don't seem to like going into a game as favourites.

[1a Schnitzel]

Marca still reporting he's only dudoso to play, let's hope they're right. Not having Villa would be horrible, not decisive, but horrible.


Lets hope that whatever the final result may be, people wont blame anything below 20-0 for spain on the missing Villa. But I already see it coming! :)

[Oscar]

He's our topscorer, it's not like him not playing will make things better for us now will it?

[REALFOREVER]

Don't worry if Villa doesn't play.

Casillas being such a good guy will shut out the Germans then to make sure Villa ends up with the golden boot. :D

[Lusankya]

Germany usually plays like shit, if they're favorite. And match to match they seem to get weaker or stronger.
It's very hard to predict. Everything could happen.

[footyfan1]

ESPN reporting that Aragones, during his post-match news conference, has already ruled out David Villa for the final. They didn't say what the injury was.

Yep. They showed the interview on German TV.

[roxbury]

ESPN reporting that Aragones, during his post-match news conference, has already ruled out David Villa for the final. They didn't say what the injury was.
<

I gues smilar to Turkish NT foward Nihat Kahveci's injury (?)
They both get injured when they took freekick.
Nihat at Croatia game, Villa at Russia game.

[Ultra_Sur]

Spain make big this game, and thats all!

We can win or we can lose , but we play a beautiful game.

[FNU]

Ole! for Spain!

Germany will control the air no doubt, but the ground will be Spain's. Fabregas made the difference today, so Villa missing isn't as bad as some might think. Podolski vs. Ramos is the key match up IMO. On the other end, Torres vs. Lahm and Company. I think Ballack has to put in his best performance in the tournament because Germany's midfield hasn't been as good as it should be.

In the end, the subs. will make the difference and that edge goes to Spain.

[Ramon Allones]

Most Germans probably don't know how lucky they are Villa isn't playing. He is the heart of our attack. Forget about Torres. He has never helped us much in a game. Villa is our engine.

Having said that, there are no excuses. If Germany win then it is because they were better on that day. Good luck to both teams. Lets hope for:

1) Good officiating!!
2) no lightening so we can all see the game!!

[Pichi]

ESPN reporting that Aragones, during his post-match news conference, has already ruled out David Villa for the final. They didn't say what the injury was.

He's out with a pulled muscle on his femoral bicep of his right leg. That means Cesc more than likely will take his place.

I still remember when Spain beat Germany in Euro 84 with a late but very late header by Maceda to eliminate the Germans and help Spain move onto the QF's.

Can't wait until Sundays match!!

Aupa Espanha y Viva Er Beti Manque Lopera!!

La Furia Roja!!!

Er Pichi