Euro 2008 Final: Spain v Germany / Tareq Quiroz / 28 June 2008 / Leave a comment

Tareq Quiroz is foaming at the mouth in anticipation of European football's climactic collision. The Spanish were stylish as they demolished Guus Hiddink's Russia in their semi-final, while Germany stuttered and scraped through a stormy clash with Turkey. But that mean's nothing as the two sides meet to decide who will replace Greece as the champions of Europe.

Three great weeks of entertainment come to a conclusion in Vienna on Sunday evening. It is always disappointing when a major championship ends but, as always appears to be the case, the prospect of a mouth-watering finale completely offsets that feeling. Two of Europe's powerhouses go head to head in what promises to be an occasion to remember. Can Spain finally get rid of their underachiever tag or will the dogged Germans show them just what is required to win a major championship?

Both coaches have one major headache coming into the final as regards team selection. Aragones would undoubtedly rather have David Villa available for selection but in all truth he has looked a little off the pace in the last couple of games and with Fabregas itching to get a starting spot you have to think the Spanish are very happy with their team.

Joachim Low won't know until the eleventh hour whether Michal Ballack's muscular injury will prevent him from playing a part in the final. If he's out, it would spell further heartbreak for the German skipper who missed the 2002 World Cup final through suspension. One thing is for sure, he'll play even if he's not 100% fit as he's that important to the team; only time will tell if should this happen, the gamble was worth taking.

Spain have been very impressive for the majority of the tournament thus far and I can see no good reason why that should end at this stage. Sure, it wasn't pretty against the Italians but they were still the better team against the World Champions. I expect a pretty comfortable win against a poor German side that may find this game one too many. The middle line on the Asian Handicap is Spain -0&-0.5 and at current odds of [2.08] I must recommend a back of Spain on that line.

There have been plenty of goals in this tournament so far and I expect a similar pattern to follow in the final. Germany's best hope of succeeding is to take the game to Spain with the German attack being undoubtedly the best area of their team. This is also the most dangerous tactic as the Spanish are adept at hitting teams on the break and are lethal when given any space in which to operate. With an open start to the game expected I am confident that it will be Spain who get on the scoresheet first. With this in mind it is definitely worth investing in the Half Time/Full Time market on the Spain/Spain option at odds of around [4.6].

It is through the middle that Germany are weak and I expect the Spanish to expose them on a regular basis. It is more than likely that Torres will play up top on his own and rather than give the central defenders an easier time I feel it will add confusion. Torres has threatened to run riot in this tournament without ever really getting going. I am sure the probable pattern of the final will suit the Liverpool hitman and he is a must bet in the To Score market at decent odds of [3.1].

Throughout the event I have been a layer of the 9pts and Over option in the Bookings Odds market as it appears that the referees are under instruction to be fairly lenient. There have been many games in which that option has been odds on but that trend has changed as the pattern of cards became more apparent. The final is a more level looking market and it is now that I feel is the time to be a backer of 9pts and Over. Tempers notoriously get the better of teams in major finals with a red card a distinct possibility. At [2.3] the 9pts and Over option is a must bet in a market that is sure to create a lot of interest for such a big match.

There is only one thing to be doing tomorrow evening for any football fan. As a neutral I can't wait for the final to start and watch the action unfold on what is sure to be a night of high drama. Who will emerge Euro 2008 champion? Only time will tell.

Tags: Euro 2008 Betting, Euro 2008 Final Betting, Football Betting, Germany, Spain