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Germany-Spain Preview

By STUART CONDIE

, AP Sports Writer

VIENNA, Austria (AP) Germany's team manager lauds Spain as the best side at the European Championship, but one of his players suggests he has insider knowledge on how to tackle it. A Spanish striker says Germany is favorite for the title, but a teammate says there is little to choose between the lineups.

The jostling for a psychological edge ahead of Sunday's final in Vienna has begun, so who knows if any of it is what they really think?

Germany's Oliver Bierhoff at least sounded genuine when he wasted no time in building up Spain, which ruthlessly cut apart Russia 3-0 on Thursday to reach the final.

Still, the team manager went on to remind everyone that Germany has already shown it doesn't respect status by disposing of Portugal in the quarterfinals. He probably hoped the Spanish were listening.

"We have demonstrated what capabilities we possess, although we should put Spain one step above us," Bierhoff said Friday. "But this was the case against Portugal as well and it doesn't have to be to our disadvantage."

From the outside, all the pressure seems to be on Spain, so Bierhoff's words could be just an attempt to sow the seeds of a little worry.

Spain is the only team at the 16-nation tournament not to lose a single game and eased into the final by beating a Russia side that appeared rampant in disposing of the much touted Netherlands in the quarterfinals.

It has racked up 11 goals in five matches even though it had to resort to tough defensive tactics for a 0-0 quarterfinal draw with Italy that was resolved only by a penalty shootout, with its versatility, attacking verve and onus on the team over individual talent raising hopes that it is about to clinch its first international title in 44 years.

"I don't know how it worked 44 years ago, but having been with the boys for a month, the group is fantastic," midfielder Xabi Alonso said. "We have a great atmosphere in the changing room. That is one of the keys to our success at the moment."

But thinking about the past is the last thing Spain should be doing.

While Germany can look back on three World Cups and three European Championship titles, Spain's success at the 1964 European Championship represents its only trophy on the biggest stage.

"They know how to win tournaments, they know how to play these games and we know we have be careful because they are the favorites," Spain striker Fernando Torres said.

And Germany defender Chistoph Metzelder plays alongside Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid.

"Our scouts have been watching Spain for some time, and they certainly know more about them than I do," Metzelder said. "But I know the mentality of the players and also know how to play against them. I will give my teammates a few tips, but it certainly won't be anything decisive."

Spain has a history of tanking at major championships, and failure in the final - no matter the performance - will inevitably lead to fans and media sighing that the team has just reverted to type.

A poor performance and the players will be likened to rabbits frozen in a car's headlights. A stack of missed chances will lead to accusations that they panic in front of goal. A shootout failure will be called a break under pressure.

And Germany's players are rightly proud of a pedigree that had even a relatively unheralded lineup reaching the World Cup semifinals two years ago.

"In 2006, something was missing," defender Torsten Frings said. "This time we hope to bring something along, not only T-shirts with "Danke" written on them."

Germany's only injury concerns are over midfielders Simon Rolfes and Frings. Rolfes needed six stitches for a cut above the left eye in Wednesday's 3-2 semifinal win over Turkey and is expected to be on the bench, replaced by Frings who was left out last time to continue his recovery from a broken rib.

"I'd put myself in the team," Frings said. "I have almost no pain anymore, I have no problems and I think I'll play."

Spain striker David Villa, who scored the only hat trick at Euro 2008 on his way to becoming leading scorer with four goals, will have tests on his injured right leg before officials decide whether he is fit to play.

Villa limped off in the 34th minute of the semifinal win over Russia with a pulled leg muscle after taking a free kick. Despite Villa's absence, Spain dominated the Russians with attacking midfielder Cesc Fabregas replacing him and setting up two of the goals, which were scored by Xavi Hernandez, Dani Guiza and David Silva.

With both teams in form and both having concerns, maybe Alonso came closest to telling the truth on how the players see the match.

"I don't think there's a clear favorite," he said. "The teams are pretty close, and anything can happen in a final."

Updated June 28, 2008

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