The Euros wrap up on Sunday when Germany and Spain face-off for a shot at continental dominance (ABC, 3 p.m.).
Here is a preview of what to we can expect:
LINE-UPS:
Germany coach Joachim Loew has to decide whether to stick with the 4-5-1 formation that worked well against Portugal in the quarterfinals, but not so well against Turkey in the semifinals, or revert to his favored 4-4-2.
Spain’s Luis Aragones has been a 4-4-2 man all tournament, but admitted that the switch to 4-5-1 after David Villa’s injury changed the course of the semifinal against Russia in their favor.
STRENGTHS:
Germany’s mindset is an advantage for them. Their players grew up watching their compatriots competing in finals and should not be fazed by the occasion. As they showed in the last-gasp semifinal win, they always play to the final whistle.
Spain, meanwhile, has the technical skill and a roster that has taken them on a 21-match unbeaten streak.
WEAKNESSES:
Germany were unusually ragged for long spells against Turkey and the defense appeared slow at times.
Spain have little aerial power, though it has not troubled them so far.
DEFENSE:
Central defenders Per Mertesacker and Christoph Metzelder love to take on a big center forward, but will be less happy trying to track the speedy Cesc Fabregas and brilliant Andres Iniesta pushing up from midfield.
The Spanish defense has not attracted a lot of attention, but has been resilient and efficient. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas and defender Carles Puyol have barely put a foot wrong while right back Sergio Ramos has a huge appetite for work with his overlapping forays up the flanks.
MIDFIELD:
Michael Ballack had a game to forget against Turkey but he is a player who revels in the big occasion and will take it as a personal challenge to dominate against Spain. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski are both having great tournaments and appear unstoppable each time they grab tnhe ball in the box.
Spain’s midfield eventually wore Russia down with their accurate passing and the addition of Fabregas brings guile to the midfield and frees Xavi to become more adventurous.
OFFENSE:
With a goal in each of the last two games, Miroslav Klose is beginning to regain the confidence that made him the 2006 World Cup’s top scorer. He could very well be the difference on Sunday.
As a sole striker Fernando Torres will spend most of his time as a running outlet for his midfielders rather than hovering menacingly in the box. As in the semifinals, the fresh legs of Spanish league top scorer Daniel Guiza will probably take over in the second half.
PREDICTION:
My prediction is that we’ll have a very entertaining game with two sids that both deserve to be in the final. Although Spain are very good and the odds-on favorites, I will stick with my pick of Germany. I predicted they would win the competition from the start and I’m staying on the bandwagon. The Germans just know how to get the job done and this time will be no different.
Prediction: Germany 2, Spain 1
