Germany defender Christoph Metzelder will feel relieved whatever the result of Sunday's final as he finally gets to shave off his beard.

Metzelder resolved before the start of the tournament not to shave as long as Germany were still involved.

"The beard will go after the final whatever the result," Metzelder said at a press conference today. "The tournament is over on Sunday night and finally, the shave will come!"

Sunday's game against Spain will be a special one for Metzelder, who joined Real Madrid last year but struggled to establish himself after suffering a serious foot injury.

"I had my operation on February 13 so I knew it would be a race against time," he said. "I fought each and every day to make the squad and I'm very proud to be here.

"I've sent some text messages to my Real Madrid team mates congratulating them. They're great team mates but for 90 or 120 minutes on Sunday we'll have to put our friendship aside."

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