Emotional Aragonés bows out on a high

Emotional Aragonés bows out on a high




Luis Aragonés was "full of emotion" after Fernando Torres's first-half goal gave Spain victory in the UEFA EURO 2008™ final – for the country's first silverware since 1964 – and gave the outgoing coach the pleasure of a job well done. For Germany's Joachim Löw, meanwhile, obvious disappointment at the defeat was tempered by the progress shown by his squad and the excitement of the challenges that lay ahead.

Luis Aragonés, Spain coach
We have put together a group that plays well, that keeps the ball and mixes their passes very well and that is difficult to stop. We work hard together, those that play more and those that play slightly less, and we've managed to get there. This is a happy day for Spain – we've won this tournament in style and we're very happy. Now we will start expecting to win on this sort of stage.

Many people will look at this Spain team because it has been a model for playing football. I think all football lovers want people to make good combinations, to get into the penalty area and to score goals. At the beginning I said that if we managed this squad well, we would be champions. The team just thought I was trying to give them confidence. I just hope Spain carry on in this way and have many more victories.

Fernando Torres is a great player for Liverpool [FC] and for Spain. He can do anything. Why? He has such extraordinary speed and he knows how to dribble at pace. He is so young and could learn to do anything. He could be one of the best players in the world, no doubt. I am delighted. I usually don't show what I feel, but I'm full inside. I don't get very emotional but there were moments out there from some of my players that filled me with emotion. I'm like that – I don't show it but I'm so full of feelings. That's my way of showing it – other people might be more expressive.

Joachim Löw, Germany coach
I'd like to congratulate Spain and their coach, because we have to recognise the high quality of their play. They played really well during the whole tournament, and today they were technically excellent and had more chances than us. They deserved to win. We're disappointed that we didn't win but I think we can be satisfied with the tournament as a whole. The team performed very well over the 45 days we've spent together, we had a lot of fun and enjoyed it, but we were very ambitious too. This defeat is going to be an incentive to work hard over the next two years in a number of areas and to improve, so that in qualifying we can reach our target of playing in the [FIFA] World Cup.

For some time, our focus has been on playing without the ball, ball possession, fast passes and direct contact. This is important in football, particularly at high speed and under pressure. We're aware that Spain are very good at that. Over the last two years we have shown that we're also fast and good at combinations. Looking at the last few tournaments we're right at the top in Europe and the team in recent years have learned a lot. They have developed well but we know we must not lose energy and strength – we must go on working and improving.

Casillas and Villa savour just deserts

Casillas and Villa savour just deserts



Spain's captain and top scorer chorused their approval after the UEFA EURO 2008™ final produced a worthy winner in Luis Aragonés's stylish selection.

By a distance
For Iker Casillas and David Villa, there was no doubt that La Roja deserved their success, bringing home the crown for the second time following Spain's European triumph of 1964. Villa, who finished as the tournament's four-goal leading marksman despite being injured for the 1-0 final victory over Germany, led the applause by telling euro2008.com: "We have had a great tournament and we have been the best team by a distance in all our games. There hasn't been one game where we won because we were lucky – we have won by being the better team every time."

From Belfast to Vienna
And the Valencia CF forward singled out coach Aragonés for piecing together a glorious campaign from the wreck of a 3-2 qualifying-stage defeat by Northern Ireland in September 2006. "The gaffer is the man behind this success," Villa insisted. "If you remember, it was 18 months to two years ago that we had a tough night in Belfast, losing to Northern Ireland, and he deserves the credit for sticking with this team. He, more than anyone, is responsible for this victory. However, this trophy is for everyone, for all the boys who played tonight and for the rest of the team as well. We have all been really happy to be a part of this adventure. We have done the country proud and we are all going to enjoy it now."

Overdue success
According to captain Casillas, the measure of Spanish national pride in this achievement would only be felt when the players returned home with the Henri Delaunay trophy on Monday. "I still can't believe we've done it," the goalkeeper told euro2008.com. "We can't really know what is happening in Spain right now, but we know what it is like in the dressing room and we are living this success with the squad and with the fans who have come here to support us. But I'm sure they are absolutely delighted back home. It is about time they had something like this to celebrate because Spain is a proper football country and we'll get to see more of this tomorrow.

A phenomenon
"We are dedicating this win to the Spanish people – and me personally to everyone in my life, personally and professionally," continued Casillas, who conceded only two goals during Spain's six games from their Group D procession in Innsbruck and Salzburg, through to the final waltz in Vienna. "I would agree that we've been the best team if you look at the games we've played. We deserved to beat Italy in the quarter-finals, it was an emphatic win against Russia and today was the same." As with Villa, though, the final word was reserved for departing coach Aragonés, Casillas saying: "He is a phenomenon, it's a shame he is leaving the job because he really is a phenomenon."

Germany 0-1 Spain

Germany 0-1 Spain



Spain claimed their first major title for 44 years after winning Euro 2008 with a deserved victory over Germany.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was Spain's goal hero, striking after 33 minutes when he cleverly lifted Xavi's pass over Germany keeper Jens Lehmann.

Spain dominated the final throughout, with Torres heading against the post and Marcos Senna almost adding a second from close range after 80 minutes.

Michael Ballack came close for Germany, shooting narrowly wide after the break.

Spain have long had a reputation as under-achievers on the big occasions, but this was a richly-merited victory for veteran coach Luis Aragones and a team that played outstanding football throughout the tournament.

Germany were outclassed, and for captain Ballack his catalogue of misery in major finals continues having lost two Champions League finals and also been suspended for the 2002 World Cup final when they lost to Brazil.

Match-winner Torres enhanced the reputation he forged at Liverpool last season, but this was an all-round effort for a side that is young enough to already be marked down among the favourites for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Germany were lifted by Ballack declaring himself fit after a calf injury - but he had little impact on a first 45 minutes in which Spain were the vastly-superior side.

Andres Iniesta almost created the opening goal for Spain in the 13th minute when his driven cross took a deflection off Christoph Metzelder, but Lehmann pulled off a fine reflex save.

And they came even closer nine minutes later when Torres rose to meet Sergio Ramos's cross, but his header bounced to safety off the post.

But he was not to be denied and put Spain ahead with a trademark piece of sharpness in front of goal after 33 minutes.

Xavi's pass created uncertainty for Germany defender Philipp Lahm and Torres shrugged him off the ball to lift a superb finish beyond Lehmann.

Germany's problems threatened to worsen when Ballack needed lengthy treatment for an eye wound after a clash of heads with Marcos Senna.

David Silva then wasted a perfect opportunity to double Spain's advantage when he was set up by Iniesta, but he rushed his finish and shot wildly over the top.

Germany made a change at half-time, sending on Marcell Jansen for Lahm, but it was still Spain who dominated.

Xavi and Silva were both off target - but Germany were sticking to their task and almost grabbed an equaliser when Ballack shot just wide after Carles Puyol had conceded possession in a dangerous area.

Spain continued to look the more threatening side, but there was still the lingering prospect of Germany's refusal to accept defeat yielding an unlikely equaliser.

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Casillas lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy for Spain
Silva was fortunate to stay on the pitch when he appeared to motion to head-butt Germany's Lukas Podolski, but Italian referee Roberto Rosetti decided against taking any action.

Ramos should have put the game beyond Germany's reach after 66 minutes when he headed straight at Lehmann from point-blank range as he got on the end of Xavi's free-kick.

Iniesta then had a shot cleared off the line by Torsten Frings and another effort saved by Lehmann as Spain looked in the mood to add a second.

And Germany had a remarkable escape after 80 minutes when substitute Daniel Guiza - on for Torres - headed the ball straight into Senna's path right in front of goal, but he could not apply the final touch.

Spain were not made to pay for their generosity in front of goal and ran out worthy winners.


Germany: Lehmann, Friedrich, Metzelder, Mertesacker, Lahm (Jansen 46), Hitzlsperger (Kuranyi 58), Frings, Podolski, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Klose (Gomez 79).
Subs Not Used: Enke, Adler, Fritz, Westermann, Rolfes, Neuville, Trochowski, Borowski, Odonkor.

Booked: Ballack, Kuranyi.

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila, Senna, Iniesta, Fabregas (Alonso 63), Xavi, Silva (Santi Cazorla 66), Torres (Guiza 78).
Subs Not Used: Palop, Reina, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Villa, Sergio Garcia, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red.

Booked: Casillas, Torres.

Goals: Torres 33.

Att: 51,428

Ref: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).

Efficiency the key for clinical Germany

Efficiency the key for clinical Germany




Germany came into UEFA EURO 2008™ as many people's favourites to lift the trophy. They have received some criticism for their style of play but have nevertheless reached their sixth EURO final – largely through their ability to find the net at crucial times.

Four from five
Joachim Löw's side have won four of their five matches, the only exception being their second group game, which they lost 2-1 to Croatia in Klagenfurt. All but the opening match, a 2-0 win against Poland, have been won by a one-goal margin, with each of their two knockout fixtures finishing 3-2 in their favour. It will be a source of some anxiety for Löw and his coaching staff that the team conceded two goals against both Portugal and Turkey – whereas final opponents Spain kept their goal intact in both the quarter-final and semi-final – but against that the six goals they scored in those two knockout encounters was twice as many as Spain managed.

Chances converted
It is Germany's ability to convert their chances that has been the keynote to their qualification for the final. They have scored ten goals from just 23 shots on target in their five matches, a conversion rate that dwarfs those of every other team, including Spain, who have found the net eleven times from 44 efforts on target. Lukas Podolski set the tone by scoring with both of his shots on goal in the opening game against Poland, and the team's ruthless edge in the opposition penalty area was plain for all to see against Turkey when, despite being on the back foot for much of the game, they converted all three of their efforts on goal, the last of them, from full-back Philipp Lahm, arriving in the last minute.

Right-side struggles
In general attacking terms, Germany sit just above mid-table in most of the Castrol performance classifications. The exception is in the number of attacks they have launched from the right – just 14 in total at an average of 2.8 per game, the latter figure bettered by every other participating team bar Sweden. Clearly Germany have problems in this area and it is no coincidence that all six goals they scored against Portugal and Turkey, whether from set-piece or open play, originated from the opposite flank.

Set-piece expertise
Left-back Lahm's ability to get forward, cut inside and swing in accurate right-footed crosses is a danger that Spain coach Luis Aragonés will seek to address, the overriding message to right-back Sergio Ramos being to keep the FC Bayern München defender pinned to the touchline on his left foot. With wide midfielder Podolski, a genuine left-footer, the opposite applies. Germany also have an advantage over Spain at free-kicks, with three of their ten goals having been sourced in this manner – whether with a direct shot, as in Michael Ballack's match-winning thunderbolt against Austria, or with Bastian Schweinsteiger's two deliveries on to the heads of Miroslav Klose and Ballack against Portugal.

Cause for concern
Spain, by contrast, have yet to score from a free-kick but did concede from one against Greece. Germany may no longer be the favourites to reclaim the Henri Delaunay trophy as they prepare to take on in-form Spain in Vienna on Sunday night, but they have attributes that will undoubtedly give their opponents plenty of cause for concern.

Calf injury causes Ballack concern

Calf injury causes Ballack concern



Germany could go into Sunday's final against Spain without their captain and inspiration Michael Ballack as the midfielder is receiving treatment for a calf injury.
Notable absentee
The 31-year-old sat out the team's final training session in Tenero on Friday and was also a notable absentee tonight as the team were put through their paces at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion on the eve of the UEFA EURO 2008™ showpiece. "The muscles has tightened and we'll have to wait and see how things develop," explained coach Joachim Löw. "Our medical people are working around the clock to give him a chance to play."

'Still a chance'
Ballack also missed the 2002 FIFA World Cup through suspension and Löw said that should the Mannschaft's captain not recover, then either Tim Borowski or Bastian Schweinsteiger will assume his place. "He's team captain and an extremely important player, but if he is not fit then someone else will take his position," the 48-year-old added. "Having a squad of 23 means those who haven't played much are highly motivated. We'll have to cope, we will find a solution. I've not counted Michael Ballack out yet though. There is still a chance."

Craft meets graft in Vienna finale

Craft meets graft in Vienna finale




Guus Hiddink is expecting an intriguing conclusion to UEFA EURO 2008™ as two teams with contrasting styles vie for glory at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion. "I look forward to seeing a physically powerful team coming up against one who likes to play one-touch football," said the Russia coach.
No prediction
The Dutchman knows all about Germany, and twice had the misfortune to see the Spanish machine in full flow in these finals – his side going down 4-1 in the group stage and 3-0 in the last four to the Iberians. Speaking in the wake of that semi-final reverse, Hiddink said: "I like teams who focus on attack and enjoy playing. This Spanish team is very experienced and love to play this type of football. They can create chances as well, and have a chance in the final." Of the Germans, he added: "They always have one or two good games and one or two scrappy ones but they're always where they want to be. I look forward to a physically powerful team coming up against one that likes to play one-touch football – but I cannot predict who will win."

Classy midfield
Hiddink attributed his team's exit to the excellence of the Spain midfield, admitting the Russians could not cope once injured striker David Villa had been replaced by Cesc Fàbregas. "The movement of the Spanish midfield is excellent," he said. "When the extra midfielder came on they got even better; played more one-touch football. That was difficult to play against as there was a lot of changing of positions at a good pace. You feel as though it's only a matter of time [before they score] – that's their class." Michael Ballack and Co have been warned.

Cazorla confident Spain will cope

Spain are confident they can cope with the absence of striker David Villa for Sunday's UEFA European Championship final against Germany in Vienna.

Muscle injury
The 26-year-old, the four-goal leading scorer at the tournament, was forced off ten minutes before half-time during Thursday's 3-0 semi-final defeat of Russia with a muscular injury and is almost certain to miss the final. "It is going to be difficult for him to be fit for the final," said Xabi Alonso after a recovery training session in the Austrian capital of Vienna. "He has a hamstring strain and probably won't be available. Whoever is playing I think we have different options ... and have enough courage to have a good system and it won't be a problem for us."

Cazorla hope
Fellow midfielder Santi Cazorla seconded Alonso, saying: "You can cope with anything and we've got great players in all positions and whoever plays will do their job well and we hope it won't affect us. We have to keep faith with the same footballing philosophy we've shown up until now. We hope to maintain the level so that we end up as champions."

Frings thirsting for final say

A broken rib will not prevent Torsten Frings reporting for duty with Germany on Sunday with the midfielder eager to reward fans back home for their irrepressible ardour.

Bearing up
The 31-year-old came on as a second-half substitute in the 3-2 win against Turkey on Wednesday night despite the injury and is determined that it will not hold him back as Joachim Löw's side meet Spain in the UEFA EURO 2008™ final in Vienna. "Even in the game against Turkey I had to take a number of blows to my broken rib, but I didn't feel a thing," said the Werder Bremen midfielder, who already has sights on Spain. "I am totally ready to play again and get stuck into challenges. I don't know if I will be chosen but I am definitely 100 per cent ready."

Something to hold
A crowd of 500,000 gathered in Berlin to cheer Germany on to victory against Turkey, and Frings would love to see an even bigger crowd if his side triumph against Spain. "On Monday [when we return] we really want to thank the fans back home for their support," he explained. "It was fantastic to have the opportunity to do that after the FIFA World Cup in 2006. This time around though, I would like to be holding something in the air in front of the people in Berlin. A party like that without a trophy is only half as much fun."

Spain strength
Germany have ridden their luck to reach the finals, while Spain have looked a more polished and dangerous side, sealing their place at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion with a 3-0 win against Russia on Thursday. "They have a strong, technically gifted team capable of cutting through the midfield like no other side," said Frings, who has scored ten goals in 76 international appearances. "We will have to put them under pressure and prevent them from getting into the game, otherwise it could prove very difficult."

'An answer'
Frings's side have rarely looked capable of holding a quality side at bay in this tournament, but the midfielder had a message for his side's detractors. "You can accuse us of a lot of things but this much is clear: we have had an answer to everything that's been thrown at us so far and that's why we are in the final. During the group phase certain things were not working and, because of that, the coached changed the system, which worked very well against Portugal. It's important now that we learn from what went on during the Turkey game."

Germany v Spain

UEFA EURO 2008 FINAL
Date: Sun 29 June Kick-off: 1945 BST Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna

Torsten Frings and David Villa
The fitness, or otherwise, of Frings and Villa could be key to Sunday's final

Germany coach Joachim Low must decide whether to recall Torsten Frings for Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Spain.

The midfielder has declared himself fit after recovering from a broken rib and could replace Simon Rolfes (cut eye) in the only change to the side.

Spain will have to alter their line-up with striker David Villa ruled out with a thigh injury.

That could mean a start for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas in a five-man midfield, with Fernando Torres the lone striker.

It was with that side and formation that Spain strolled past Russia 3-0 in Thursday's semi-final and coach Luis Aragones has hinted Fabregas, who set up two of the goals, could start.

"I know how well he can perform," Aragones said. "I like a player like Cesc, 20-years-old and someone who has acquired the experience of someone who's 27, 28. To us, he's important."

The Spanish are full of confidence ahead of the final, having turned themselves from "perennial underachievers" to many people's tip to win the final in the course of the tournament.

Spain may not have won a major honour since 1964 - their victory in that year's European Championship their only title to date - but Liverpool striker Torres believes the side are equipped to go all the way this year.

"This team is already making history, but we can do even more," he said.

"Germany know how to win tournaments, they know how to play these games and we know we have be careful because they are the favourites. But we can win it too."

However, Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff refutes claims his side are favourites, saying: "We have demonstrated what capabilities we possess, but we should put Spain one step above us.

"That said, this was the case against Portugal (in the quarter-final) as well and it doesn't have to be to our disadvantage."

And the former striker, whose 'golden goal' against the Czech Republic gave Germany the European title in 1996, hinted Low's side would set out to be hard to break down rather than expansive in attack.

"Spain control the ball very well and they provide decisive passes," he said. "We will have to play very tightly, double-team a lot and keep the marking close."

That philosophy was supported by Frings, who said: "We shouldn't let them into the game. We have to be aggressive, we have to step up even as they are receiving the ball.

"I don't think they like it when you are aggressive against them."

BIG MATCH STATS

Head-to-heads

Germany and Spain have met each other 19 times, and Germany have won eight of these contests, while Spain proved the strongest on five occasions.

At the World Cup and European Championship, the two teams have played each other five times, with Germany winning three times and Spain having the upper hand only once.

Spain's only victory in the Europeans was a 1-0 group phase triumph in 1984. Antonio Maceda's legendary injury time header eliminated West Germany, marking the only time until 2000 that (West) Germany were stranded in the group phase of a European Championship finals.

The last time these two met was a friendly in February 2003, which Spain won 3-1.
Head to head records and significant meetings

Team facts - Germany

Germany have qualified for the final of the European Championship for a record sixth time and the first time in 12 years. In 1972, 1980 and 1996, they went on to win the trophy, and on two occasions, in 1976 and 1992, the Germans lost the final against Czechoslovakia and Denmark respectively.
European Championship finalists from 1960

Team facts - Spain

Spain have qualified for the final of the European Championship for a third time, following their appearances in 1964 and 1984.
Results of Germany and Spain in the final of previous European Championships

Spain have lifted the trophy only once in 1964, after beating the Soviet Union 2-1 in the final. In the 1984 final, Spain lost 2-0 against Michel Platini's France.

Since losing to Romania (0-1) in November 2006, Spain are unbeaten in 21 matches (18 wins and three draws). The Spanish record is 31 and was set between September 1994 and November 1997.

At the age of 69 years and 337 days, Luis Aragones will become the oldest coach ever to appear in the final of a European Championship. Aragones will be more than four years older than Otto Rehhagel (65 years, 327 days) was four years ago when Greece took on Portugal in the Euro 2004 final.

Player facts - Germany

Jens Lehmann can become the oldest player ever to appear in a European Championship final. If he plays, Lehmann's record setting age will be 38 years and 232 days, breaking the record set by Arnold Muhren, who was 37 years and 23 days old when he played for the Netherlands in the 1988 final against the Soviet Union.
Oldest players in European Ch'ship finals and possible additions

Lukas Podolski (three) will be the biggest threat to keep David Villa (four) from claiming top scorer honours at this European Championship. Ballack, Klose, Schweinsteiger (Germany) and Guiza (Spain) have all scored twice.

Arsenal (Jens Lehmann, Cesc Fabregas), Real Madrid (Christoph Metzelder, Iker Casillas) and Real Betis (David Odonkor and Juanito) are the three clubs that will provide team mates on both sides of the pitch.

Kevin Kuranyi can win his 50th cap for Germany. He made his international debut in March 2003 in a 1-1 draw against Lithuania.

Player facts - Spain

David Villa is still in line to become top scorer at the 2008 European Championship, but will not add to his total of four goals as he will be sidelined for the final due to injury.

Miscellaneous Info

Germany will have mixed feelings regarding referee Roberto Rosetti. The Italian was in charge on 28 April 2004, when Germany suffered one of their biggest defeats in recent memory in a friendly against Romania (1-5). Rosetti was also the referee in Germany's 2-1 away win against the Czech Republic in the 2008 European Championship qualification.

Spain have also had changing fortunes when Roberto Rosetti was the referee. At the 2006 World Cup, Spain lost 3-1 against France in the round of the last 16. In the 2008 European Championship qualification, Rosetti was also the referee when Spain beat Sweden 3-0 at home.

Villa to Miss Euro Finals

Spain striker David Villa has been ruled out of Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Germany, the Spanish football federation has confirmed.

Villa, 26, injured a thigh muscle in Thursday's semi-final win over Russia.

Spain had been hoping the forward would be able to play some part in the final in Vienna, but he was finally ruled out following a hospital scan on Friday.

"Valencia striker David Villa, the top scorer at Euro 2008, is definitely out of Sunday's final," said a statement.

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who replaced Villa in the semi-final, could come into the team for the final.

Tests revealed Villa has a small tear to the muscle in the back of his right thigh.

The much-coveted Valencia striker said immediately after the semi-final he would not be fit and had resigned himself to watching the game from the stands.

"I'm a little sad that I won't be there to take part but it's better that a team-mate who is fit plays instead of me, particularly as my injury has left me limping quite badly," he said.

I know how well he can perform, he is a great player like others in our squad

Spain coach Luis Aragones on Cesc Fabregas

"Now I have to enjoy the show from outside. To play on Sunday would be a lottery.

"I would do it even if I had to play on one leg but this is a team - there are other players who will do better 100% than one who is injured.

"At the start I was really upset because I knew it was going to be very difficult to play in the final if we got there.

"I just want to enjoy Sunday and celebrate winning the European Championship with everyone else. This is an achievement for the whole squad and we want to take the glory on Sunday."

Spain coach Luis Aragones believes bringing in Fabregas could help his side compete against a strong German midfield.

"I know how well he can perform, he is a great player like others in our squad," he said.

"It's better for numbers and pressure (to have an extra midfielder) and that is how Xavi scored his goal. The point is to make them feel free."

Fabregas is raring to go if called upon and said: "I am here when the manager needs me.

"It is good, we came here to win the tournament and we got to the final, which I think is the most difficult thing.

"In the final anything can happen, a lot of things can influence the game."