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Spain and Germany await final showdown (27/6/2008 9:24:57 πμ)
After three weeks of topsy-turvy action, exciting results and the odd few hours of boredom, the Euro 2008 final is now upon us.
And the two pre-tournament favourites Germany and Spain have safeguarded their passage through to Sunday's final although both have come down completely different paths to get there.
Germany were installed as the favourites to win Euro 2008 before the tournament's beginning but their performances have flattered to deceive for the most part.
They have looked more than ordinary in defence and have often given teams far too much room in which to play in front of them.
This approach could prove to be suicidal against the Spanish who many would argue are the best passing team to have graced the championship to date.
The only game the Germans managed to up their performance levels a few notches was in the 3-2 quarter-final win over Portugal but then fell right back into their shell in a fortunate semi-final win over Turkey.
Spain, on the other hand, have looked fairly comfortable against all they have played and have undoubtedly been the most consistent team of the championships.
They were the only group winners to advance beyond the quarter-finals and have an array of talent that could upset any defence.
The only negative for them is that top-scorer David Villa has been ruled out of the final after injuring himself taking a free-kick in last night's semi-final victory over Russia.
However, this could be a blessing in disguise as Cesc Fabregas looks set to get a starting place in the final, after producing a hatful of top-quality displays when he has emerged late on off the substitutes bench.
Spain have no other injury concerns, but Germany will be sweating over the condition of Torsten Frings, who suffered a cracked rib earlier in the tournament.
The Spaniards have been installed as favourites to win Euro 2008, so if you fancy the Spanish, put a bet on Euro 2008 now.
Germany are available at 2.25 to win the tournament, with Luis Aragones' men at 1.60.
There are a selection of other betting possibilities available including Spain being backable at 2.30 to win the final in 90 minutes and 3.40 to do so by one goal.
If Spain get the first goal in the final they will be difficult to peg back and a 2-0 win for the Spanish looks a good bet at 9.00.
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