The Finals-A Preview

The odds-makers are saying Spain, but I am taking Germany in Sunday's final game of the Euro2008 Championship in Vienna, Austria.


On paper the tandem of David Villa and Fernando Torres look like one of the premier scoring duos heading into the tournament. Villa's four goals leads all scorers and Daniel Guiza's two goals place him in the top 10. The Spaniards are first in goals scored with 11 while the German's are tied for second with 10. German goalie Jens Lehmann has appeared shaky at times, especially early in the Turkey game. However Villa is doubtful for the match which puts more pressure on Torres who has not had much scoring success thus far.

The German front line of Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose along with midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and captain Michael Ballack are one of the most talented groups in the tournament. Witness their excellent counterattack during the Turkey game which knotted the game at 1-1 shortly after the Turks scored the first goal of the match. However, they are faced with a formidable task going against Iker Casillas.

I believe that the experience factor of a big game may lie with the Germans. Their starting group in the semifinal match against Turkey amassed over 500 caps. This group played in the semifinals of the 2006 World Cup against Italy while this is the first finals for the Spaniards since they lost to Michel Platini and France in Euro1984 .

My prediction is that the Germans will win the match 1-0 in regular time. Good luck to all! It's been an entertaining tournament.