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Euro 2008 final: Germany v Spain

Euro 2008
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This is it. Germany v Spain.

One of the most exciting football tournaments in recent memory is set for an almighty climax.


The form:
Joachim Low's Germany had to squeeze a victory out of their final group match against co-hosts Austria to guarantee a passage into the last eight. What followed were two rollercoaster 3-2 wins over much-fancied Portugal, in the quarter-finals, and a gutsy Turkey in their semi-final encounter.

Luis Aragones' Spain have reached their first major final since 1984 and have won every single game en route to their showdown against the Germans. They have scored in every match except against the stingy Italians in the last eight. Arguably, their best performance came in their second encounter against a vastly-improved Russia in the semi-final.

The key players:
Germany's best players over the last fortnight have been defender Philipp Lahm, who scored a cracker against Turkey, and midfielders Torsten Frings and captain Michael Ballack. Lukas Podolski has chipped in with three goals and both himself and Miroslav Klose will be a threat.

Spain's and the tournament's top scorer to date, David Villa, is out with a thigh injury so it looks as if Liverpool hot-shot Fernando Torres will have the scoring responsibilities resting on his young shoulders. He has great support, with Andres Iniesta, Xavi, David Silva and Cesc Fabregas producing the sort of high-quality displays reminiscent of the French midfield of Euro 84.

All to play for, so who's your money on?

Links:
Team news
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foo...
Graham Taylor's view
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foo...
Germany thoughts
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foo...
Spain thoughts
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foo...



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comment by twinklebathat (U12224172)

posted Jun 29, 2008

Spain haven't won all 5 games. Spain vs. Italy was technically a draw, the progressing team decided by penalty shoot out. Get it right BBC.

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comment by Ingr (U11958489)

posted Jun 29, 2008

Come on Spain! ok

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comment by twinklebathat (U12224172)

posted Jun 29, 2008

My favourite player on the pitch will be Xavi, followed by Fabregas and Ballack. I don't care about the result so much, I just want to see a good game, and preferably a game with none of the diving or dishonourable play that plagues football these days.

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comment by U12263023

posted Jun 29, 2008

liverpool vs cheski tonight

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comment by Stev (U1919611)

posted Jun 29, 2008

Thank we are going to see a final with teams that will try to play attacking football. Greece and Italy spoilt the last two major Finals with their negative tactics.

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comment by Chezdon (U7627258)

posted Jun 29, 2008

comment by twinklebathat (U12224172)
posted 12 Minutes Ago

My favourite player on the pitch will be Xavi, followed by Fabregas and Ballack. I don't care about the result so much, I just want to see a good game, and preferably a game with none of the diving or dishonourable play that plagues football these days.

---------

Ballack one of your favourites yet you don't want to see diving...? Ironic.

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comment by HiHeMaSt (U1655529)

posted Jun 29, 2008

I only have a partial prediction:

Lehmann will be very good !

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comment by U12263023

posted Jun 29, 2008

spain to win 0-0 aet
5-4 on pennos

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comment by ManchestersDevil (U10784063)

posted Jun 29, 2008

My tip to win is Spain, 3-1.

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comment by GawnaB (U11553033)

posted Jun 29, 2008

German's always in WINING TERM from war world to sport Academic....nah like england always lossing LOSING habit.dem even cant make when they come wit three diffrent contries so call WALES,SCOTLAND N.irland,and it self dead fish ENGLNSH....
schade van euch
ki ki ki

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