[quote=Jonesy Knows;1125226][B]Germany v Spain - Euro 2008 Final[/B]
Well the news coming out the German camp is that Ballack their most influencial player is a massive doubt with a calf strain he injured in practice on Friday. He sat out training today and it is touch and go if he will make the line up!
Germany have very lucky up to this point in the tournament and if the Turks had a decent enough striker then Germany would not be here now.
The Turks really were unlucky and Germany just ground out the result in the end.
Spain have been a revelation, they have put to bed their choker title in no uncertain terms and they look to be in great form.
Man for Man Spain look the better team. Germany have been simply awful in defence and have been lucky not to have come up against a side with more potent strikers!
Tomorrow Germany will be put to the sword as Spain will run them ragged and Torres in particular whose off the ball running has been largely unnoticed in giving space to willing runners from midfield.
Spain have a problem themselves with David Villa the current top scorer of the tournament missing from this final after cruelly picking up an injury against Russia in the semi final anhilation.
Germany without Ballack just simply won't contain Spain the midfield will overun the German midfield. Fabregas looks like he will adopt an advanced midfield role just behind Torres a combination that worked so well for Liverpool in the last quarter of the premiership season with Gerrard and Torres.
This could get ugly for Germany and I am predicting an easy Spanish win!
So bets for me that scream value:
[B]Spain -1 Hcp @4.50 *****[/B]
[B]
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Agree with the pick and reasoning
[B]Spain -1.5[/B]
Spain are favourites are justifiably so. They have played some very good football throughout the tournament and showed their class in beating Russia. Their midfield oozes class and with Fabregas likley to come in for Villa, they probably gain more than they lose as he should create some openings for Torres. Torres should cause plenty for problems for the defence of Metzelder and Mertesacker who have looked shaky on occasions.
If Ballack is out then they will miss his drive from midfield, handing the advantage over to the Spaniards who have Iniesta, Silva, Xavi and Senna, as well as Fabregas to dominate this area. Puyol and Marchena have the ability to shut down Klose and Podolski but then they still have to get past Casillas who has had a great tournament.
Spain to win 2-0 or 3-1