CHAPTER 183: Mannschaft vs Furia Roja (EURO 2008 final preview)

" In 2004, a miracle happened, but maybe it happens once every 30 years.
You can't have it every week, or it wouldn't be a miracle. "
- Otto Rehhagel

Germany – Spain.
The final for EURO 2008.
German resilience and efficiency against Spanish flair and technique. Here’s my preview.

How I think the game will turn out….
There’s two things to look at regarding the teams’ form coming in the final. Germany was great against Portugal but not great against Turkey. But they always say you can’t count out the Germans no matter what. Whereas Spain was always consistently playing good attacking football throughout. Although they had shaky defence in the opening games, but they proved to be resilient as well as they progress through to the final. What I think is, Spain will control the possession, but the Germans will have more power in set pieces. And my opinion that’s where the Germans would be able to win the game. For Spain, there better be careful in not conceding dangerous set piece opportunities for the Germans, and concentrate more on the strengths in creating more chances whenever they get scoring opportunities.

Main player for Germany: Michael Ballack.
This final could be the final where Ballack finally wins for himself and for his team a major trophy. As always, he’s the link in the German midfield and it’s definitely up to him not only to inspire the Germans but also to lead the attack.

Main player for Spain: Fernando Torres.
With David Villa out of the game, Spain’s chance for goal now rests on Torres. With Fabregas expected to start, it leaves Torres alone upfront. Hence he’ll have to go solo at times against the German defence. I believe that this final will be his chance to shine and prove big time. But whether he makes it, that we will have to see.

My expectation
My expectation for this final of EURO 2008 is………….to hope that it will be a good game of football. Not a showcase of anti football, but beautiful attacking football (from both sides). May the best team wins. History is to be made.