Euro 2008 Classic Final Germany V Spain

So the big final is upon us and I can say without any reservations that I am excited.

Euro 2008 has been an excellent tournament and I predict a title decider that wion't disappoint.

It will definitely be better than the finals of the last World Cup or Euro 2004.
Admittedly, intuition plays a large part in making any sporting prediction but I can back this one up with facts too.

First we have to take a look at the statistics. Both sides are averaging over two goals per game: Spain has hit the back of the net 11 times in six matches, while the Germans scored 10 goals in their games to date.

Recently Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told me the quality of the attackers was better than the quality of the defenders at this tournament. if this trend continues in Sunday’s final then nil-nil is not an option.

Another factor which should contribute to an open game is the team philosophies of the title contenders. Neither side relies on one or two players, so that means even if Fernando Torres and Miroslav Klose have a bad game, goals could come from a variety of other sources.

Xavi, Silva, Fabregas and Iniesta can all score for Spain, while Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Ballack and Lahm are names that can get on the scoresheet for Germany.

The fact that none of the players on the pitch on Sunday have ever won a trophy with their national team should also make them try harder.
If it was Italy versus France, it would be a different story entirely. But both sides are still young and although some players have enjoyed success at club level they have yet to make their mark with their country’s colours.

There should be plenty of hunger out there and maybe the hungriest player of all will be Michael Ballack. The midfielder has lost four finals in his career, including two in the Champions League and one at the 2002 World Cup — although he was suspended for that game.

As if any extra motivation was needed, each German player will reportedly earn 250,000 euros for lifting the trophy; Spain’s players can look forward to receiving a check worth 214,000 euros to go with a winner’s medal.

Not bad eh? Let’s hope they earn it!