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| Saturday 28 June, 2008 |
| Blog: Spain to reign |
| So it is Germany v Spain in the Euro 2008 Final, but for Steve Wilson there can be only one winner |
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I've never been one to buy into the xenophobia towards Germany, but during this tournament I have grown to be highly irritated by Joachim Low's side and for good, honest football to be the winner at Euro 2008 then Spain simply have to emerge victorious on Sunday night.
The luck of the Germans began back when the draw was made. Paired with hosts Austria and debutants Poland in Group B, the only realistic threat appeared to be Croatia. A quarter-final place seemed assured, and even then they would be meeting dark horses Portugal or Czech Republic.
Compare that with the opposite side of the draw where you had World Cup finalists Italy and France as well as Holland and Spain. Admittedly, Croatia, Portugal and Czech Republic are no slouches - but you'd fancy your chances more against them than quartet in Groups C and D.
During the tournament fortune continued to favour the Teutonic troops. Christoph Metzelder hauled down Austria's Erwin Hoffer in the penalty area in the Group B decider - no foul awarded. Michael Ballack shoved Paulo Ferreira aside to score in the quarter-final - no foul awarded.
Finally in the semi-final they faced a dangerous Turkey side stripped of its goalkeeper Volkan Demirel after the gross theatrics of Jan Koller got him dismissed in the previous match. He would have been back had he not sat on the bench after his dismissal - earning himself a two-game ban.
Some may call that stupidity on the Turk's part, and it was, but regardless it also did Die Nationalelf a huge favour. They have been average and have ridden their luck all the way to the Final and it would be a travesty if the history books recorded their fourth Euro title after such a poor showing.
Contrast them with Luis Aragones' Spanish side. They have won every game, even if they needed penalties against Italy, have scored 11 goals and been entertaining every step of the way. All this after the old tactician left out veteran striker Raul, giving younger form players a chance instead.
After 44 years of waiting it is about time this proud and passionate nation gave its fans something to cheer about. Heroes such as Emilio Butragueno, Andoni Zubizarreta, Fernando Hierro, Luis Enrique and Raul himself never managed it but this new generation is now on the verge of history.
The names Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Carlos Marchena, Joan Capdevila, Marcos Senna, David Silva, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Fernando Torres, David Villa and Daniel Guiza as well as all those of their teammates and Coach will become legendary if they finish the job. It is flair football against pragmatic power, surely all neutrals must agree it has to be Spain.
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I couldn't agree more with your spot-on article Steve - this German team reminds me of the average team that got to the World Cup Final in 2002 , it seems to me that Germany always get easy qualifying groups & easy groups in tournament's - why? - if the World had to play football "The German way" I'd end my association with the Beautiful game. They are boring - almost "robotic" in their style of play. Indeed if there is any justice Spain will win and finally wipe the "World Underachievers" tag off their back.
Daniel, Auckland, NZ
I understand your point completely but Spain have flattered to decieve for as long as I can remember whilst the Germans have plundered there way through tournaments. Its a team that has failed at every given oppertunity for 24 years when the other has snatched at the meer whiff of one since then. The Germans have my support.
Andy, Scotland
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