Euro 2008 Final: Spain vs. Germany

June 27th. 2008, 1:42pm

Euro 2008 comes to a close Sunday afternoon when Germany faces Spain. We’re liking what we’ve seen from energetic and high-octane Spain, but the safe pick is probably Germany. We’ll guess 2-1. Make sure to drop by in 48 hours to talk about the match. For some actual insight into the match, we turn to soccer correspondent, Tyler Duffy.

And so, out of Cinderella’s desiccated corpse crawl the prodigal Spanish and the dutiful Germans to titillate our taste buds with a spectacle of fantastic soccer in the Euro 2008 Final.

The match is not just a clash of soccer styles, but a veritable clash of cultures. The spritely aesthetic Spaniards against the prompt, mechanical Germans. The Spanish take a siesta at noon time. Germans work slightly less efficiently. Spaniards savor the smokey flavors of their chorizo. The Germans cram some wurst down their gullet and wash away the carnage with some Hefeweizen.

This final will have ESPN-prodded hype of epic proportions, and karmically end 0-0 on penalties. Fighting through the inflamed, commercial-crazed shrouds, here is how the sides stack up.

Forwards: The “Mannschaft” send Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski (Ger)–not to be confused with the piteous Lukas Podolski (Bayern)–into the fray. The two have combined for five goals in Germany’s five matches, and 69 scores in all competitions. Fernando Torres may be most wank-worthy talent on the field, but has yet to show it in Spanish red. Without Villa to diffuse the pressure, the German defense can take Torres away. Advantage: Germany

Midfield: The Germans have a renaissance man in Michael Ballack. He can menace opposing defenses. He can win an academy award. He can hack down opposing players with impunity. He’ll even serve as an extra referee free of charge. The Spanish, to combat him, have a harem of majestic ball handlers, and a solid holding man in Marcos Senna. The wildcard, as always, will be Schweinsteiger (Ger) who has the Midas touch about him of late. Advantage: Push

Defenders: The wings are equal, with both sides having an elite attacking fullback in Lahm and (Dave O’Brien’s favorite party boy) Sergio Rrrramos. The Germans are large and in charge in the middle with Metzelder and Mertesacker. The Spanish have to override Carles Puyol’s insanity. Spain also face two elite strikers to Germany’s one. Advantage: Germany

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. Looney Jens Lehmann singlehandedly sustained Turkey’s semifinal hopes. Advantage: Spain

Prediction: The Germans have a stable squad and a set recipe for success. Spain do not. Unlike Spain’s previous opponents, Germany can withstand pressure at the back and can exploit opportunities on the break efficiently through precise passing. The Spanish have impressed so far, but with tapas, not a potent paella. They have no clear plan of attack, a problem exacerbated by David Villa’s probable absence. Aragones has yet to use his two elite talents, Torres and Fabregas, sensibly. The Germans are better drilled, more experienced, and better equipped to handle the opposition. In a contentious final, that should prove decisive.
source : www.thebiglead.com