Germany v Spain preview

Euro 2008 glory awaits for either Germany or Spain

Skysports.com prediction: Germany 1 Spain 2
One to watch: Cesc Fabregas
Sky Bet odds: Germany 13/10 Draw 21/10 Spain 5/2
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Glory is within touching distance for Germany and Spain as the duo contest the Euro 2008 final on Sunday evening at the Ernst-Happel Stadion in Vienna.

The European Championship showpiece promises to be an absorbing encounter with Germany's undisputed ability to dig deep when called upon set to clash against Spain's free-flowing panache.

Joachim Low's side have stuttered at times in Austria and Switzerland, emerging as runners-up in Group B following their setback against Croatia.

They demonstrated their attacking qualities with gusto to down Portugal in the quarter-finals but were forced to rely on a late, late goal to advance past a spirited Turkey.

No-nonsense

Spain, meanwhile, under the guidance of no-nonsense head coach Luis Aragones, all-but cruised through Group D before disposing of world champions Italy on penalties in the last-eight.

Russia promised to offer a sterner test, but the Spaniards proved too strong, brushing their opponents aside with a 3-0 triumph.

It will be Spain's first major final appearance since they were beaten by host nation France in the 1984 European Championship.

In the intervening period, Germany have featured in five finals, lifting the World Cup in 1990 and the European crown in 1996.

Aragones - who is set to step down as Spain boss after the final - will be desperate to finish on the most elevated of highs by ending the country's 44-year wait for international success.

However, he will have to make do without star striker David Villa, who is the current top scorer at Euro 2008 with four goals, after the Valencia forward suffered a small rupture in his right leg muscle against the Russians.

Villa out

Villa's absence paves the way for Cesc Fabregas, with the Arsenal schemer poised to make his second start of the tournament.

Fabregas, who netted the winning penalty against the Azzurri, has been in inspired form from the substitutes' bench at Euro 2008, and is likely to play off lone striker Fernando Torres as part of a five-man midfield.

Andres Iniesta and David Silva are expected to continue to operate on the wings, while Xavi will be partnered by enforcer Marcos Senna.

Carles Puyol and Carlos Marchena are set to marshal Spain's central defence in front of goalkeeper Iker Casillas with Sergio Ramos and Joan Capdevila in respective right and left-back roles.

For Germany, Low has been hit with a major concern over captain Michael Ballack, who has been unable to train since Friday because of a calf muscle injury.

The Chelsea midfielder has been in fine form throughout the tournament and his absence would be a major blow.

Disappointing forward Mario Gomez is unlikely to be recalled to the starting XI after he was dropped following the group stages.

Clinical frontman Miroslav Klose is poised to lead the line with Lukas Podolski, who has netted three goals at this summer's finals, and Bastian Schweinsteiger on the flanks.

Two from three

In the centre, Low must choose two from Torsten Frings, Simon Rolfes and Thomas Hitzlsperger as his side's holding men.

The Germany head coach will be looking for an improvement from defensive pairing Christoph Metzelder and Per Mertesacker after previously shaky displays from the duo.

Stuttgart-bound Jens Lehmann will start in goal, while semi-final saviour Philipp Lahm and right-back Arne Friedrich will complete the back-line.