Spain ready to bypass German supremacy

The battle for the Euro 2008 title is encapsulated by the midfield duel between Michael Ballack and Cesc Fabregas, where the German captain's power is pitted against the Spaniard's artistry in today's final.

If Michael Ballack and his likely fellow enforcers Torsten Frings and Thomas Hitzlsperger can impose themselves and wrench control then it should be the familiar sight of a German triumph at the Ernst Happel stadium.

But if Fabregas, Xavi, Andres Iniesta et al can pass their way through and around their sturdy opponents then Spain's 44-year wait for a trophy could finally be over.

Fabregas has been used off the bench for most of Spain's path to the final but such was his impact as a first-half replacement for striker David Villa in Thursday's 3-0 victory over Russia that he has become a likely starter.

Ballack, in contrast, was badly off-beam in Germany's 3-2 win over Turkey but his inner-belief and desire to make up for missing the 2002 World Cup final through suspension could well lead to a man-of-the-match performance.

His coach Joachim Loew has been weaned on the same winning mindset. "We've got a victor's mentality and are going to take that into the final," he said of Germany's quest for a fourth European title to add to their three World Cups.

Spain, appearing in their first final since 1984 and seeking their second trophy following their 1964 Euro success on home soil, recognise the challenge that faces them but have seen their confidence leap having finally broken their hoodoo of major tournament quarter-final defeats.

"Germany are Germany and they seem to win against whoever they play," said Spain coach Luis Aragones. "But it is very difficult for any team against us, especially when we add pace to our game."

Each side is expected to field only one striker, Fernando Torres for Spain and Miroslav Klose, with two goals in the last two games, for Germany, handing even more responsibility to the midfielders.

Germany's wide pair Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski, with five goals between them, have looked dangerous in that regard, both as providers and finishers.

Spain's engine room has also found extra momentum, particularly on Thursday after the injury to top scorer Villa, who seems certain to miss the final, led to a much more effective five-man midfield.

From the kick-off against Russia, Spain looked more purposeful than in their stilted show against Italy and Fabregas added an extra touch of class to the zippy passing when he joined the fray.

They will fancy their chances of threading their way through a powerful but not particularly mobile German back four.

It is a fascinatingly poised encounter with Spain the narrowest of bookmakers' favourites to finally take the step that their talent has for so long promised.

Ballack doubtful

Germany captain Michael Ballack is doubtful for today's final against Spain because of an injury to his right calf, the German FA (DFB) said on its website yesterday.

Ballack missed training on Friday back at the team's base in Tenero and he was unable to join the eve-of-match session at the stadium in Vienna yesterday.

Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).

Assistant referees: Alessandro Griselli; Paolo Calcagno (Italy).

On TV: RaiUno, 8.45 p.m.

Key stats

• Spain are undefeated in 21 matches, Romania were the last side to beat them in a friendly 1-0 in Cadiz, Spain in November 2006.

• Germany are appearing in a record sixth European Championship final 1972, 76, 80, 92, 96.

Road to final

Germany
08/06/2008 - Poland 2-0
12/06/2008 - Croatia 1-2
16/06/2008 - Austria 1-0
19/06/2008 - Portugal 3-2
25/06/2008 - Turkey 3-2

Spain
10/06/2008 - Russia 4-1
14/06/2008 - Sweden 2-1
18/06/2008 - Greece 2-1
22/06/2008 - Italy (pens) 4-2
26/06/2008 - Russia 3-0