16 teams started the 2008 European Championships on 7 June, and after three weeks and 30 matches, we are down to just two — Germany and Spain.

iafrica.com’s Barend Prins previews the 29 June final between the two sides.

In many ways, this year’s final is one of contrasts. In recent memory, Spain has often entered major tournaments, be that World Cups or European Championships, as one of the favourites, with some of the best players in the world. Just about every time they have failed to live up to their reputation, coming up short when the going gets tough. Germany has very good record at major tournaments, on the other hand, despite not always being regarded as favourites.

The two teams have often played very contrasting styles — Germany known for its stubbornness and organisation, Spain for its flair and creativity. The Germans have always had a strong team spirit, but all too often Spain has failed to fit all their stars into a cohesive unit — with infighting regularly breaking out when things do not go their way.

That is perhaps where the 2008 Spanish side differ from some of its predecessors. It seems as if manager Luis Aragones has managed to instill a collective spirit in the team. Spain has always had brilliant attacking players, and the 2008 squad is no different. Often they have had a ‘soft underbelly’ though — lacking the ability to fight it out against teams with a more combative style — but one-time Manchester United target, Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna seems to have added that bite that had been lacking regularly.

When Germany plays well, more often than not captain Michael Ballack also plays well. He is the spill round which the team revolves. In Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski Germany has strikers just as dangerous as their Spanish compatriots. Ballack is the link between the strikers and the rest of the team though.

A fascinating battle between Ballack and Senna is likely to ensue, and in my opinion it is likely to be very crucial to the final result. If Ballack dominates, Germany will have plenty of the ball. If Senna manages to stifle Ballack though, Spain should come out on top.

As far as team selection goes, senor Aragones is sure to have a few headaches. Star striker and leading scorer of the tournament so far David Villa sustained an injury in the semifinal against Russia and will definitely not play in Sunday’s final. Aragones has to decide whether to partner Fernando Torres with Daniel Guiza and effectively play the same formation he as done the whole tournament, or whether to adopt a different formation to accommodate the brilliant Cesc Fabregas. Fabregas surely has to be included either way though, as he has changed the game every time he has come off the bench. Either Xavi or Andres Iniesta is most likely to miss out if that is the case. I suspect he will change formation though, as it is also a formation that seems to suit Liverpool frontman Fernando Torres better.

Germany coach Joachim Loew does not have as many selection issues. Bar last minute injuries, his team pretty much select itself, with Podolski likely to partner Klose upfront (instead of playing in midfield as he had done earlier in the tournament). Bastian Scheinsteiger should be in the starting XI as well – he has given the Germans the attacking intent they have lacked sometimes. Only Torsten Frings (who, despite a broken rib, featured in their semifinal victory over Turkey) is a major injury concern for Loew.

As far as predictions go, I have not had much success throughout the tournament, with only my unwavering support for the Germans maintaining any credibility in my opinion (believe it or not, but I’m not even a German fan!). And I’m way too far down this road to back out now, so I have to say Germany will win Euro 2008!

But in all honesty, it is a really tough one to call either way, and I won’t be too unhappy if Spain wins it. They have waited so long to taste success again…

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