Euro 2008 - Germany v Spain

Germany V Spain

In one corner, wearing the white we have the three time champions Germany. In the other corner, the great pretenders, The Spanish with one major title to their name. After all is said and done, all the talk about every team these are the final two. I must admit that I am on the two of these from the beginning so I cannot lose either way but after a few rounds of matches I really though the Netherlands would be the team to beat. However they departed at the hands of the Russians and apart from the Russian no other side really threatened to go all the way.

The best way to look at this game is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. From a neutral point of view the two teams have both in abundance.

Lets start with the Germans.

Weaknesses – Lehmann, he is just not good enough at this level and he had a shocker against Turkey which almost cost them. Mertesacker and Metzelder are not the most convincing of centre backs either and will have it all to do to keep out An attacking Spanish side.

Strengths – Lahm, he’s a great little player, gets into great attacking positions and well able to put in a cross.

Podolski and Schweinsteiger are proven goal getters and Schweinsteiger in particular is very good from set pieces and added to the arial threat of Klose this is somewhere that the Germans can exploit.

Spain – weaknesses. I have to say that I think their defence is also a little suspect. Ramos has not been convincing and Puyol has not been properly tested. The speed of Lahm attacking them should be interesting. I guess I would count their boss, Aragones as a weakness, his stubbornness in leaving Fabregas on the bench has been astounding, especially considering how good Fabregas has looked with every sub appearance.

Strengths – attack, Torres can score from nothing, Villa is out and his absence is a blow but when you have a player like Fabregas coming in to replace him then all is not lost. Xavi and Iniesta are good at keeping the ball and passing about so the midfield battle will be where it will be won and lost.

Verdict

At the time of writing I cannot confirm whether or not Ballack will play. As a man who has lost all types of finals through his career I think it is most likely he will play through the pain barrier. He missed the world cup final through suspension in 2002 so it would be a travesty if he were to miss again. Spain have this title of choking on the big occasion whereas Germany have the title of winning even when not at their best. Spain have the edge in terms of quality but for me this game is very even. I think there will be an even amount of chances created so it all comes down to who is better equipped to take them. For me I think it will be a bit more open than people think and we could see a few goals

I have a range of bets taken, at the very least will keep me interested until the final whistle and some at nice prices I think.

Good luck whatever you chose

PICK

Over 2 goals (1.71 @ canbet) 4 points

Schweinsteiger anytime goalscorer (7 @ paddy power) 2 points

Podolski anytime goalscorer (4 @ paddy power) 2 points

Man of the match award

Fabregas (8 @bet365) 2 points

Casillas (15 @ bet365) 1 point



Pick : Several Picks listed above
Odds : 2.00
Stake : 10 / 10
Bookmaker : Bet365
Match Result :
Tipster Personal Link/Sponsor: http://epm-express.blogspot.com/

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