[unclesox]

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!

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+]

Originally Posted by 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.

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