THE FINAL BATTLE

After 21 days of breath taking football, it’s time for the Final of the UEFA Euro ‘08.
The tactical battle between the two teams will unfold tonight at the Ernst-Happel Stadion in Vienna. The epicenter of this epic clash will undoubtedly be the midfield, which will be adorned by the best of players in the world.
Ballack, Podolski and Schweinsteiger will lead the German blitzkrieg while Xavi, Senna, Silva, Fabregas and Iniesta will forge ahead for the Spanish armada.

Germany has raw power. Up front, their hitman is the lethal Miroslav Klose, who’ll be ready to pounce on any ball that evades the Spanish defenders. Ballack and Podolski are always around if Klose misses. Nonetheless, the Germans have to contend with a highly efficient Spanish defense. The solid Puyol will bring with him a truckload of experience while the young and sprightly Sergio Ramos gives them the pace to tackle the German attackers.
Yet again at a final the worry for Germany is their Inspirational Captain Michael Ballack who is plagued by an injury and hence his fate hangs in the balance. But Bastian Schweinsteiger has off late shown that he too can produce creative play in the midfield and the return of Torsten Frings will undoubtedly give them a boost.
Another possible chink in their armour is Jens Lehmann. Age seems to have caught up with this goalie, having let in 6 goals and looked patchy at most times. He will be faced by a Spanish side that has been on a brutal, incessant attack.

Spain though have a minor worry in this regard, David Villa, their top scorer is reduced to a spectator, courtesy an injury picked up in the previous match. Thus, El Nino of Spanish Football, Fernando Torres is expected to shoulder the responsibility till the arrival of Daniel Guiza towards the latter stages. But Torres who had a brilliant season for Liverpool has seemed lackluster over the past fortnight, foiling a number of decent chances that came his way. It’s time for him to come good.
Nevertheless the Luis Aragones coached side has an arsenal brimming with confidence and rearing to go. Xavi Hernandez, Marcos Senna and David Silva are in sublime form. Not only can they set up Torres with precise crosses, they have the ammunition to go for goal themselves.
And then there is the ‘gold mine’ of a Spanish bench, boasting of the likes of Francesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso!
Cesc Fabregas who has primarily started from the bench so far is likely to feature in the starting line up on Sunday night (ahead of Danny Guiza), with Spain packing their midfield and Torres the lone striker.
Fabregas brings with him a youthful exuberance and zest. He has rejuvenated the midfield with his second half cameos and put in an excellent performance against the Russians. With his pin point accuracy and uncanny eye for the goal, he could well change the fate of the match!
Finally, there’s Iker Cassillas, the Captain and goalie who has thus far been a wall in front of the goal. Having let in only 3 goals through the course of the tournament and saving two penalties in the shoot out against Italy, he has been Spain’s unsung hero. If España can continue their current form, there’s definitely no stopping the La Furia Roja from sweeping Europe!

History though has an obvious favourite, Germany, who are putting in their 6th appearance in the Final and are looking for their 4th victory. For Spain, the wait has been long, and their history as chokers doesn’t help either. They have made it to the Final twice and their only victory came way back in 1964!

So tonight as a record number of television viewers watch and fans pack themselves into Fan zones and the Stadium at Vienna, will the Germans make it title number six or will the Spanish Bull Run continue???!!!