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Euro 2008 Final Prediction
I will be leaving my computer shortly and not returning until after the Euro 2008 final. For posterity, I’ll make my prediction now, though it is no different than the one I made at the tournament’s outset.
Spain’s biggest strength, their depth, skill, and speed in midfield, has proved to much for every opponent and is a particular advantage against Germany. Germany has a good midfield, but it lacks the speed and skill to match-up against the Spaniards. This means Spain should be able to control possession, and without the ball they will be able to exert pressure and clog up the middle of the field.
Germany’s going to have to really on set pieces, counters, and brute force to beat Spain. It can happen, but it’s less liekly than Spain controlling the match and working their way through a German back line that has been one of worst in the tournament. After that back line stands their goaltender, Jens Lehmann, who has also been on of the tournament’s worst.
With Cesc Fabregas likely to start for David Villa, the advantage Spain has in the midfield only grows. Germany’s chances to gain set piece opportunities and counters could be limited by the huge possession advantage I expect the Spaniards to hold. Fabregas, David Silva, Xavi Hernandez and Andreas Iniesta should be able to play off of or to Fernando Torres, right through Cristoph Metzelder and Per Mertesacker.
Torres and Sergio Ramos will be better in the air than anybody Turkey had. Marcos Senna will be able to help contain counter attacks.
I think the most likely scenario is this one’s not close. I like Spain to win 3-1. The way I see the game playing out tactically, I see Fabregas winning the Player of the Tournament despite starting only two of six matches.
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