Euro 2012: Too Early to Talk about?

We are now into 2008 and still, there are four years left. No problem, We can start talking about it because there is a lot to talk about the preparations. The main thing is that there is a worldwide economic recession going on and that is why was there is some room for becoming more wait for the preparation of this event that is going to take place after four years.

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Euro 2012 preparations not affected by economic crisis

Will Manchester United become the Champion of Europe Again?

It was a dream season for Manchester united in 2008 as they own the trophy of both English premier league and UEFA Champions League. Now, their supporters are expecting the same thing from this season but the real condition is different and reality is not with them at this moment. They could not dominate in the English premier league yet and even in Europe, they do not look so a mighty like last season. So, I have a strong doubts whether Manchester United’s can follow the success of last season.

By the way, who are you favorite Man Utd footballers of all time? Here is a list of Top Ten Footballers of Manchester United of All Time.

Michael Ballack Apologizes for Criticizing Joachim Loew on Unfair Treatment to the Seniors During Euro 2008

German captain Michael Ballack has recently apologized for his comment made on Coach Joachim Loew criticizing his unfair treatment to the senior members of the Germany squad during Euro 2008 tournament. However, the German captain has now realized that the comment he made on Loew has put his future in German national team in jeopardy. He has already apologized for his behavior publicly and to Joachim Loew over the telephone on Saturday. The two will meet in the next seven days to have a conversation on the issue.

In an interview with German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) last week, Michael Ballack criticized Loew stating that there were some experienced players like Torsten Frings, Miroslav Klose and himself in Germany’s Euro 2008 squad and he thought the experienced members deserves at least some respect and loyalty, given their contribution and achievement for Germany. However, the German captain has recently said that he did not have any intention to attack Joachim Loew and there was nothing personal. He has claimed that he was trying to protect and support the fellow seniors in the team.

AFP reported:

"I must acknowledge it was unfortunately an error to chose this way (to communicate)," Chelsea midfielder Ballack said in a statement.

"I will meet with Joachim Loew as soon as my health allows and I will apologise to him for my behaviour……..

"I telephoned Jogi Loew again on Saturday and said it was never my intention to criticise his work as national team coach, but primarily to protect and support my fellow players in a difficult situation," said Ballack.

"I have a high opinion of Jogi Loew as a coach and a person.

"Comments in the interview were made due to the situation and were not meant to be personal.

"I did not want to attack anyone, but to openly address and criticise issues which were close to my heart.

"But I do not stand by the contents of that interview any more."

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack is now recovering from a recent surgery on his foot. So, he is currently out of action for few weeks and will need some time recover fully before returning to action. However, Germany coach Joachim Loew has clearly indicated that Ballack’s future in the team now depends on the conversation they will have in near future.

Google’s G1, BlackBerry Storm and iPhone: Who will Win in Christmas?

With Google’s first ever mobile phone based on Android mobile platform hitting the market and BlackBerry coming up with its first ever touch screen handset, it is pretty much likely that there will be a hard-fought battle in the mobile phone market during the coming Christmas Moreover, Apple’s iPhone is already there to make it a stiff competition.

Google has launched its first ever mobile phone G1. The phone is based on Google’s Android operating system which is responsible to provide the users with the experience of a pocket computer in the little handset. T-Mobile has the exclusive right to bring Google’s G1 mobile phone into market. The mobile phone has been available in the US market from Tuesday and it will hit the UK market on this Thursday. Lots of mobile phone users are now in the queue to make their order for Google G1 mobile phone.

BlackBerry Storm, the first touch screen phone from BlackBerry’s volt, is also in the way to hit the market with some eye-catching features including a movie-quality display screen as well as memory which can store hundreds of movies. So, the touch screen handset will provide with huge entertainment for the users. Vodafone will exclusively present the new BlackBerry touch screen mobile phone.

Apple’s iPhone already holds a chunk of market share with 10 million iPhones being sold so far this year. Now, with the arrival of Google’s G1 and BlackBerry Storm, there are many who believe there will be a huge competition among the three companies in the Christmas. Moreover, other market leaders like Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson have also triggered the battle, bringing some new handsets.

Related article:

Telegraph

David Beckham in AC Milan?

David Beckham is still a very popular celebrity but he’s not a great football are any more. It seems that he feels confident that there is still something to give up something to play for. At this moment, he’s with Los Angeles Galaxy in America. I don’t thing that America is the right place for David. He should be Europe and it seems that he’s trying to come to Europe. He’s not talking with and officials of AC Milan and if everything goes well then we might see him in Milan in January.

I really do not understand why David Beckham is going to Italy instead of England. I think that he should have gone to England to play for Arsenal or Chelsea. That’s right, I feel that he’s making another mistake in his football career.

Related Article

Sky Sports

Luis Aragones Struggling to Replicate His Euro 2008 Success at Fenerbahce

Luis Aragones is struggling to replicate his Euro 2008 success with Spanish national team at the helm of Turkish giant Fenerbahce. The Turkish club is struggling both in domestic league as well as in Europe. Recently, they suffered their first home defeat in 16 months in Champions League with visiting Arsenal demolishing Fenerbahce 5-2. Even Luis Aragones also failed to keep his team in the course of domestic title race as the Istanbul club is now at the 10^th place in the Turkish Super League with only 9 points from 7 matches including 4 defeats and 3 wins.

Well, Luis Aragones led Spain to win their much sought-after European title this year with Spain defeating Germany 1-0 in the final thanks to goal from Fernando Torres. After the tournament, Aragones took up the managerial coach early in the summer, but following Fenrbahce’s poor run in both domestic league and Europe, many fans are already calling for sack of Aragones. So, the Euro winner coach is now facing a tough challenge in Turkey. Now, let us see if Aragones can boost up the confidence of Fenerbahce players and bring out success for the club as he did for Spain last July.

ICL bans will be overturned, What do you think?

Not only Abdul Razzaq, the former Pakistan allrounder, there are many cricketers for the different cricket playing countries in the world who has joined in the rebel ICL (India Cricket League). In a recent interview he told to the media that he has no repentance for banning for PCB to join ICL. The allrounder believe that ICL will be free form all kinds of International bans.

ICL players worldwide have been banned from playing international cricket but Razzaq was confident it would be lifted in due course. Since the ECB has allowed all its ICL players to honour their county commitments, he felt a change of guard within the PCB could result in something similar in Pakistan as well. Given India's powerful influence in the ICC, Razzaq said a change of heart from the BCCI would also help a great deal.

Someone think that only for BCCI’s pressure ICC has banned the ICL and the players who will join in this rebel Twenty20 formatted Cricket tournament. You will get a lot of information in internet media on behalf of the comment.

Nokia is Still Leading in Cell Phone Market

Nokia is the top name in the handset market. You know that the demand for mobile phone is increasing all the time and it will increase for some more years as millions of people still do not have a mobile phone set.

The latest figures are out and it seems that Nokia has 41.1% share. So, it is doing very strongly in the mobile phone market.

Now the serious question is who can compete Nokia and decrease its market share? The funny thing is that Samsung is in distant second position with just 15% market share. Motorola is holding on to the third position but LG is closing the gap.

Related Article: CNN

Some Arsenal Blogs for you to Visit

Arsenal is perhaps the second most successful club in the history of English football. It is very successful in England and has won the league title and FA Cup for many times. It has a huge fan following across the world. So, there is no wonder that there are many blogs dedicated to this club. I am an Arsenal fan too. Here are 5 blogs for you to visit:

Arseblog

Gunnerblog

Another Arsenal Blog

Arsenalinsider

Arsenal Blog

Watch Wimbledon online live and TV

The final of Wimbledon men’s will kick off today (6 July 2008). In the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal will play the final of the oldest tennis championship.

On paper, Federer was facing the tougher task in the form of a resurgent Marat Safin, but the two-time Grand Slam winner made a slow start, losing his opening service game and swishing his first racquet in frustration at 4-1 down. Federer then seemed to slip into stand-by mode, content to hold serve – which was enough to secure the first set and get him through to a second set tie-break, duly dominated. The third set also went with serve until the 12th game, when the energy-conserving five-time champion upped the ante to break and win the match 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4.

The German played out of his skin in the second, however, breaking and then holding serve with grim determination. He took it as far as 5-4, but the world No. 94 could not serve out for the set. The ensuing tie-break was dominated by the Spaniard, who went on to break Schuettler’s second service game of the third set. Though the German had the consolation of saving three match points on his own serve at 5-3, Nadal served out to win by a scoreline – 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 – that bore a remarkable resemblance to Federer’s.

Enjoy Wimbledon Men’s Single Live on website and different TV Channels.

All about Asia Cup Cricket final 2008

After a few hours, the two cricket giant India and Sri Lanka is going to meet each others in the National Stadium Karachi to play the final match of Asia Cup Cricket 2008. Sri Lanka is the only team that is playing final all time from the opening time of this tournament but India is the most wining of the tournament.

Defenders Sri Lanka will be looking to win their fourth title to equal the record of India of winning the continental on four occasions.

Ex-four time champions India may have taken the psychological advantage with crucial victory in the super four stage. But as always said by the captains and experts “Every match if new match in ODIs and you have to start afresh”.

Both India and Sri Lanka has declared it squad for the final tournament. You will not get any deficient in each team.

Sri Lanka:

Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene (Captain), Chamara Kapugedera, Chamara Silva, Tillekeratne Dilshan, Chaminda Vaas, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilan Thushara, Ajantha Mendis, Muttiah Muralitharan, Jehan Mubarak, Kaushalya Weeraratne, Mahela Udawatte and Dilhara Fernando.

India:

Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan, Praveen Kumar, R.P. Singh, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Piyush Chawla, Robin Uthappa and Manpreet Gony.

Umpires: Simon Taufel (Australia) and Tony Hill (New Zealand).

TV umpire: Zameer Haider (Pakistan).

Match referee: Alan Hurst (Australia).

India vs Sri Lanka match bowling reviews

The pitches of the Subcontinents are always flat that is why it is always batting favor. The pacers are always unable to get any help in this pitch. The matches of Asia Cup Cricket are totally batting favor caused huge score in each match. Only spinners can get some extra opportunities in this flat pitch.

Now you have some question that so why the spinners of can not do well against the batsmen of the subcontinent? The answer will come that the batsmen of this area can dominate well the spin balls. The bowler like M Muralitharan is helpless.

Apart from the continued ineffectiveness of the fast bowlers, Piyush Chawla looked quite innocuous too. But to ask someone so inexperienced to deliver on a pitch so doped might be a bit harsh, Dhoni reckoned. "There is no assistance, especially for spinners, on this wicket. You have to be an experienced spinner with a lot of variations. You have to exploit [whatever little the pitch has], and bowl according to wicket. If you have someone like that you can put pressure on batsmen, otherwise even 330 can be difficult to defend."

In the last match between India and Sri Lanka was totally favored to batting. Only Indian new pacer I Sharma got 2 wickets 55 runs and on behalf of Sri Lanka M Muralitharan secured 2 wickets form 44 runs. This is not a good economy for the bowlers in ODI tournament.

The final of Asia Cup will be held between India and Sri Lanka at the National Stadium Karachi. Both the teams have a good quality batting and bowling line up. So an meaningful tournament is suppose to be enjoyed in the final.

India vs Sri Lanka match batting reviews

In the super four of Asia Cup four between India and Sir Lanka was full domination of batsmen. It is amazing that in every match the teams are crossing 300 runs. May it is a new era form 50-50 formatted cricket world. It seems the 300 runs are not good enough lead for any team and the batsmen. So it is time to think newly about ODI Cricket.

If you look over the previous matches of Asia Cup a very few matches scored 300 runs. In the last match between India and Pakistan, the pitch full of bounce but the batsmen easily crossed three hundred runs. In the match of India vs. Sri Lanka the ineffective performance of the batsmen of both sides were astonishing.

Even today, it was the Indian fast bowlers who perhaps made the target look about 20 less than it was. Praveen Kumar, who has almost always got the new ball to do something so far in his career, was out of sorts bowling to two left-hand openers. Ishant Sharma, who came in to replace Praveen, gave away 16 in his first over. Irfan Pathan, with his reduced pace, was always going to struggle on pitches that give him zero assistance. Dhoni thought the bowlers gave it their all, but the pitch was just too unresponsive. "They tried everything, whatever they had in the armoury they tried," Dhoni said. "On a wicket like this, the only way you can stop batsmen from scoring runs is taking wickets. While we were batting we lost three quick wickets when we were batting, and all of a sudden Rohit and I were under pressure."

Winning the toss, Sri Lankan Captain DPMD Jayawardene made up his mind to elect bat first. They started well but losing Sangakkara’s wicket in the 4^th over fall some trouble. DPMD Jayawardene and Sanath ST Jayasuriya partnership pushed Sri Lanka in a good position of 71 runs. ST Jayasuriya did not secured to add other fifty in his career but DPMD Jayawardene could do. Other batsmen CK Kapugedera 75, LPC Silva 50,TM Dilshan 15, K Weeraratne 23 and T Thushara 23 brought a highest good score of 308 runs.

Indian batsmen come to bat and started well as usual. Opening partner G Gambhir 68 and V Sehwag 42 helped India to dream the math win. SK Raina, the new added strong top-middle order batsman’s 54 helped to build a strong base. Captain MS Dhoni 67, Yuvraj Singh 36* and RG Sharma 22* reached easily to reached the target of victory.

Watch live match India vs. Sri Lanka of Asia Cup Cricket

The match between India and Sri Lanka will be most exciting before the final match of Asia Cup Cricket. This is the first time after the Commonwealth Bank tri-nation series between Australia, India and Sri Lanka.

The Point is the different in this area. For performing best in the first round, no loose then India and Sri Lanka has come to the super four round by securing full points that two points have been added each team in the standings.

Point table of Asia Cup Circket

Super FourTeam	Mat	Won	Lost	Tied	N/R	Pts	Net RR	For	Against
Sri Lanka	2	2	0	0	0	6	+2.220	634/100.0	412/100.0
India	2	1	1	0	0	4	+0.144	592/93.2	592/95.3
Pakistan	2	1	1	0	0	2	-0.372	547/95.3	610/100.0
Bangladesh	2	0	2	0	0	0	-2.030	457/100.0	616/93.2

India and Sri Lanka both carried forward 2 points from the group stage

http://www.cricinfo.com

http://live.cricbuzz.com

http://www.cricketnext.com

http://cricket.123india.com/

http://vcricket.com

Here are the Links for watching video streaming of Asia Cup 2008 Live Streaming for FREE

http://myp2p.eu/competition.php?competitionid=&part=sports&discipline=cricket

1) http://deshicric.com/

2) http://www.cricfever.com/

3)http://www.wantena.com/

4) cricket2watch.50webs.com

6) http://www.3mlive.com/7

7) http://www.bhejafry.net/livecricket.php

8) http://deshicric.com

The links will help you to enjoy the match of Asia Cup Cricket live. So watch the match between India vs Sri Lanka live on TV channel and live online score and video streaming.

India vs Sri Lanka Who will win Asia Cup Cricket?

Asia Cup Cricket is a big stage of Asia to proof great of Asian Cricket. India is the most time trophy winner on the other Sri Lanka is the three times. So we cannot think that Sri Lanka is not a week team of Asia.
If we analysis the last statistics of Indian team then easily understand that what is the positive and negative things of the Indian team. India had a very good positive performance in the last one year after the Test and ODI alongside England series. The great success in inaugural Twenty20 championship with some young men, it has totally the thought of the fans of Indian team. Later the matches alongside the 50-50 world champion Australia was also make a lot of positive change in the team.
In the home ODI and Test series alongside Pakistan changed totally without some star cricketer like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly’s dependence. After this matches India started thinking to lead the team without those players and included some new and young players.
India tour of Australia with some new and with some old players, and the experiences players’ failure in a row bound the selection committee to rest some old-experienced player easily. The inaugural T20 formatted IPL tournament has changed to declare the team without Sachin, Rahul and Sourav and has brought a big revolution in the Indian team. The success (although did not become the champion) in Tri-Nation Series also change all motivation to the teams.
Now India is fighting for the top position of the Asia Cup Cricket. Now it is suppose to fight for the final match of the ongoing Asia Cup Cricket tournaments. If India loose to Pakistan then India must have to win in the match with Sri Lanka, otherwise they will kick out from the match. So both the matches are important.
Sri Lanka has already become the qualifier for the final match of Asia Cup Cricket that will be taken place on the 6 July 2, 2008 at National Stadium, Karachi.
The last year’s winning records of Sri Lanka team is not bad. In this season Sri Lanka played some series and got tow series victories alongside Bangladesh and England and achieved one drawn alongside West Indies and lost with Australia.
When I was writing the article, India was playing with the host of Asia Cup Cricket Pakistan. There was no doubt that Pakistan will be secured the victory. If India doesn’t beat Sri Lanka then India will be kicked form the Asia Cup tournament.

Spain is the Champion of Euro 2008

Spain has become the champion of Euro 2008. This is their second triumph in European Championship since their first victory in 1964. Spain defeated Germany 1-0 thanks to a first half goal from Fernando Torres.

The first half was very exciting as both the sides went for attack. In fact, it was full of attack and counter attack. Both sides created some good chances. Initially, Germnay seemed to be more attacking but, with time progresses Spain came out and went for attack. Spain got a good chance in the 15^th minute which could be an own goal for Germany. The ball being deflected off Christoph Metzelder, was going towards Germany goal post,e but goalkeeper Jens Lehmann saved it for a corner. Then in the 23^rd minute, Fernando Torres headed to a cross from the right side, but it hit the side bar. Just 10 minutes later, Fernando Torres put Spain ahead in the match. Receiving the ball from back, Torres had to defeat Philipp Lahm and German Goal keeper to send the ball into the left corner of the post. The goal came as a confidence booster for Spain as they created some more chances immediate after the goal. German Captain Michael Ballack’s half volley was saved by Spanish defense.

Germany started the second half with attacking mode. However, gradually, Spain came out and created more chances than Germnay in the second half. In fact, the second half was as exciting as the first half, though I will put the first half ahead of the second half. Spain created some crucial chances from counter attack. However, overall Spain was better side in the match and I think, they deserve the victory. Spanish midfielder Marcos Senna missed an easy chance eight minutes off the match. Germany also created some good chances, but Spanish goal keeper Iker Casillas continued his excellent job in the goal.

I think, the match was enjoyable, if not excellent or classic. It is a great night for Spain as they recaptured the European Championship title after 44 years now. It is all about Spanish celebration both in Austria and Spain.

Top Goal Scorers in Euro 2008

Euro 2008 will come to end with the final match between Germany and Spain tomorrow. Football world is waiting for an excellent finish of Euro 2008, even though the tournament was full of excitement and presented with some classic matches from the group stage. A couple of teams indicated that they have enough talent to be the emerging side in world football. Very few expected Turkey and Russia at the semi final of the tournament. However, the two sides showed enough talent and skill impressing the football fans as well as the pundits.

A few players also emerged from this tournament who could be the future star of world football. Two Russians Andrei Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko, Hakan Yakin, Arda Turan, Nihat Kahveci are in the short list of new stars. Here, I am giving the list of top goal scorer of Euro 2008 tournament.

Place	Player	Country	No. of Goals Scored
1st Place	David Villa	Spain	4
2nd Place	Lukas Podolski	Germany	3
	Roman Pavlyuchenko	Russia	3
	Hakan Yakin	Switzerland	3
	Semih Senturk	Turkey	3
3rd Place	Ivan Klasnic	Croatia	2
	Michael Ballack	Germany	2
	Bastian Schweinsteiger	Germany	2
	Miroslav Klose	Germany	2
	Ruud van Nistelrooy	Netherlands	2
	Robin van Persie	Netherlands	2
	Wesley Sneijder	Netherlands	2
	Andrei Arshavin	Russia	2
	Dani Guiza	Spain	2
	Zlatan Ibrahimovic	Sweden	2
	Arda Turan	Turkey	2
	Nihat Kahveci	Turkey	2

David Villa might not be able to play in the final even though he is currently at the top of the goal scorers’ list with four goals to his credit, followed by German forward Lukas Podolski with three goals. Podolski could surpass Villa in the final match with a couple of more strikes. Except the German, there is no other active player in the second position who could challenge Villa’s four goals. Now, let us see if David Villa can walk away with the title of tournament’s highest goal scorer, even though he is most likely to miss the final due to thigh injury.

Related article:

Wikipedia

Spain vs Germany: What will be the Score?

This is the match which is going to bring the attention of whole football world at one point tomorrow. The final match of Euro 2008 between Spain and Germany is now the centre of all attention in world football. The million dollar question is that who are going to win the Euro 2008 title through the final match on Sunday.

Well, that is a very big question to answer. Both the sides have been in excellent form in the knock out stage. Germany defeated Turkey 3-2 to reach the final, while Spain demolished Russia 3-0 in the semi final. I think, both the teams will start the match a bit safe, and will come into attack with time approaches. I think, German defense was not up to the mark in the semi final, but they were excellent in the midfield and in the attack.

I think, the match could go into extra time, or even on penalty shootout after a goalless draw. Why? Well, in the first hand, I would like to mention that Spanish striker David Villa and German playmaker Michael Ballack might miss the final match in what it would affect the attacking prowess of both the sides. Moreover, I think, both sides may not go for all out attack unless they concede any goal because knowing the fact that taking a bit of risk at this level of the tournamnet could cost either side heavily.

Whatever the score is, I think, both the sides have chance to win the title of Euro 2008. Let us just hope not to experience a dull match in the final of the tournament.

Germany vs Spain Preview and Live Score

If you are interested to get the live score and updates of Germany vs Spain Final match of Euro 2008, then visit the following link:

Germany vs Spain: Live Score and Updates

What is the coming attraction in the football world? I think the answer of the question is even easier than the answer of another question: how many players a soccer team consists of on the field. Yes, Germany vs Spain final match of Euro 2008 is the latest catch in world football with supporters of both sides eagerly waiting for a classic match. The match will take place at the Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna in Austria on 29 June 2008. Not only the European fans, but also football fans across the world have kept an eye on this match to know the next European champion.

Match: Germany vs Spain, Final Match, Euro 2008

Date: 29 June 2008, Sunday

Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna in Austria

Kick off: 19:45 (British Standard Time)

Three times Europe Champions Germany and the winner of Euro 1964, Spain are the two football powerhouses. There is no doubt; both Germany and Spain were among the favorites of Euro 2008 tournament before the kick off of the tournament. Both teams showed some excellent piece of football in their way to the final. Germany seemed to be out of track after losing to Croatia in the group stage, but they came back in style defeating Austria, Portugal and tournament’s surprise package Turkey. Spain, on the other hand, is unbeaten in the tournament.

Spain is now dreaming of winning their second Euro title after 44 years as Spain won the title of 1964 European Championship. The last time Spain reached the final of a Euro tournament was 24 years back in 1884 European Championship where they were beaten by host France in the final. Since 1984, Spain did not reach the semi final of any tournament of Euro before the ongoing Euro 2008. So, in Euro 2008, Spain has already earned something that they did not earn for the last two decades. Thus, Luis Aragones boys seem not to be under pressure because they have already achieved something to cherish about. However, it does not mean that Spain will leave even a slightest of ground for Germany in the final. Rather, I guess, Spanish players are gearing up to win the title of Euro 2008 tournament.

Germany, in contrast to Spain, is the most successful team in the history of European Championship with three titles to their credit. Moreover, Germany holds the record of highest 10 times appearance in European Championship. Last time Germany won the Euro title was in 1996. However, since then their performance was poor being knocked out of the previous two tournaments from the group stage. Coming into Euro 2008 in the back of disappointing performance in the previous two tournaments, Germany was ready to take any challenge up to prove their ability once again in European Championship and they did it pretty much successfully, despite the blow received from Croatia in the group stage. Now, Germany is also look to win their fourth Euro title. Germany won Euro titles in 1972, 1980 and 1996, besides two runner-up titles in 1976 and 1992. So, Germany has quite a lot success stories in the tournament to take inspiration from ahead of the final match.

Germany vs Spain: Road to the Final
The road to final was different for Germany and Spain. When Spain reached the final with 100 percent winning record, Germany had to face some problem in securing a spot in the quarter final stage. Germany started the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Poland. However, Germany suffered a blow in the second match being defeated to Croatia in the second match leaving Germany in a must-win match against Austria in the final group match. Germany won the match 1-0 and won a quarter final place as the group B runner up.

In the quarter final, Germany faced in form Portugal and football analysts were skeptical about Germany’s progress to the next round ahead of the Portugal match. However, Ballack and his team mates outclassed Portugal 3-2 in an entertaining match in the quarter final. Germany faced Turkey in the semi final and knocked them out 3-2 showing excellent performance throughout the match. Thus they reached the final and waiting to face Spain in the tournament final.

Spain started Euro 2008 campaign in style by defeating Russia 4-1 thanks to the hat trick from David Villa, tournament’s current top scorer. In the second match, Spain defeated Sweden 2-1 and confirmed their entrance in the quarter final as the Champion of Group D. Thus Spanish coach featured a second string side against Greece in the last group stage match that Spain won by 2-1 after coming back from 1-0 down in the match.

Spain faced Italy in the quarter final and outclassed the current world champions 4-2 in penalty shootout after the goal less 120-minute action. Spain then defeated in-form Russia 3-0 in the semi final to reach the final or Euro 2008. Now, Span is gearing up to claim their second European Championship title in this tournament.

Germany vs Spain: Head to Head and Recent Form
Germany and Spain faced each other four times so far, with both teams winning once each and other two matches ended in draw. Last time, the two teams met was in a friendly match in 2003 where Spain defeated Germany 3-1 which came three years after Germany’s 4-1 triumph in another friendly match in 2000. Out of their four meetings, three were in friendly matches, while the only match held between Germany and Spain in a competitive tournament came in 1994 world cup, where the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

So, in terms of head to head performance, both sides have similar success. However, if you look back to their recent performance, Spain is way ahead of Germany. To be honest, Spain holds a seemingly incredible form of recent with 21-match unbeaten streak in which Spain won all of its last 11 matches in all competitions.

Germany, on the other hand, won five out of their last seven matches besides a defeat and a draw. So, their performance is not flawless. However, I think, Germany has been in an excellent run at this moment after three straight victories at the crucial stage of the tournament. So, I do not think that, Germany’s recent form could give any indication of relax for Spain, while Germany even does not need to worry about the excellent form of Spain because it is going to be a different match. In fact, Spain and Germany will not bother about their past, rather they will emphasize on the match.

David Villa Out of Euro 2008 Final against Germany
It is really bad news for the fans of Spain as in form striker David Villa is facing a thigh injury and could miss the action of final match against Germany. Though Spain coach Luis Aragones earlier said wrote off his chances of playing in the final match due to a thigh strain, Aragones later on admitted that he would again assess the condition of Villa before keeping him out of his plan for the final match. However, the striker is disappointed with his injury, but happy with team’s success. If David Villa can not be fit in time for the final match, Cesc Fabregas is expected to be in the starting line up of Spain. The centreal midfielder could be vital for Spain in the final.

Sky Sports reported:

"I injured myself first of all while sprinting, but the pain got worse and it went when I took the free-kick," Villa told reporters.

"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. But after the way the team played in the second half I cheered up and now am really happy despite everything.

"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."

Germany coach Joachim Low Praises Spain
Joachim Low praised Spain for their scintillating performance in the 3-0 victory over Russia in the semi final. The Coach indicated Spain’s continuous performance in tournament. Low gave special attention to the Spanish midfielders and was full of praise for the Spanish midfielders.

Sky Sports reported:

"The Spaniards put in an impressive performance," Low told the DFB's official website.

"They have played the whole tournament at the highest level and have been technically very good.

"They proved in impressive fashion that they were the better team against the Russians and they have a more varied game than the Portuguese.

"Their midfielders constantly change positions and keep getting forward - all of which makes them hard to work out."

So, it is pretty clear that Low will have special plan for the midfielders like Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández and Cesc Fàbregas in the final match.

Christoph Metzelder: The Spanish Spy for Germany?

The defender plays for Spanish club Real Madrid in club football. However, ahead of the final match against Spain, Christoph Metzelder has come into lime light linking his connection with Real Madrid. Reports have it that the defender could provide important information regarding Spanish football from his own experience. He might know very well how to defeat his Real Madrid team mate goal keeper Iker Casillas. Terming Casillas and defender Sergio Ramos as a good colleagues, Metzelder said that his relationship with Casillas and Ramos will be put aside for the match.

AFP reported:

With Real team-mates goalkeeper Iker Casillas and defender Sergio Ramos in the Spain side, Metzelder says his friendship with them will be put on hold for the final's 90 minutes.

"They are good colleagues and I am looking forward to talking to them after the final, but for those 90 or 120 minutes, we will put our friendships aside," said Metzelder.

Euro 2008 Closing Ceremony: A Glittering Event Waiting for the Football Fans
No doubt, there will be some eye-catching performances by the local performers as part of the tournament’s closing ceremony on Sunday at the Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna in Austria before the match kicks off. Reports have it that, fans will be entertained by the performance of 400 performers in the closing ceremony of Euro 2008. The closing ceremony will take 10 minutes of amusing performances. The official song of Euro 2008, “Can You Hear Me” will be performed by Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias. Football and the 16 participating nations will be focused in the closing ceremony. The trophy will be presented in the VIP tribune, in stead of on the pitch, unlike to the last two Euro tournaments. A Basel-based organization, Uniplan Switzerland will add some special effects in the trophy-presentation ceremony.

Germany vs Spain: Online Live Score and Updates
I think, most of the football supporters from around the world are now planning to watch the match on television. However, it is also true that some of them will be fortunate to watch it on television due to the inaccessibility to the television channel the match will be shown live, or due to the personal or professional works. However, you don’t need to put your head down because you can still get the online live score and updates of the match from different live score websites. Here, I am giving some names of the online live score sites:

Live Score

Goalzz

Euro 2008

Goal.com

Football-data

Sky Sports

Live Score.cz

You can pick up either Germany or Spain as the favorite for the match from your own point of view. However, considering the stage of the tournament and the ability of the participating teams, I am not going to find out who is favorite in the match. The two teams play different style of football and if the two sides can really stick to their own style of football in the final then I think, it will only make the match more competitive and enjoyable in what has an indication of experiencing a classic final in Euro 2008 tournament.