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However the finals in Vienna ends, one thing is certain: all of the best teams have made it to the finish, that is to say had a chance to fight for the trophy.

Before the championship started, we didn’t think of Spain as of top favourites but it seems that this Red Fury generation has the quality to erase the label of losers.

Germany, on the other hand, are no surprise; there were some doubts after their loss against Croatia in the group but the duel against Portugal showed what Elf can do. They weren’t impressive against Turkey either but they will fight for their fourth crown in their seventh finals. So far, they had partial success but Low and his players are aware that this is a chance of a generation. Some former Panzer squads had even more quality... This squad with only few stars could stand side by side some better teams.

Spain are euphoric, though pragmatic Aragones warns that the qualification for the finals is a good result, but a trophy makes you a winner. Last time this country played in EURO finals was in France 1984 when they comparatively easily lost to the hosts.

But as we have said on several occasions, for the first time in recent history, Spanish players have leading roles in their clubs, are capable of taking responsibility.

It is an experienced squad and certainly Villa’s absence is a handicap but Aragones will probably modify his tactics, try 4-5-1 formation where David Silva will play closer to the net and Fabregas will get the chance from the first minute.

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.

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.

Team facts - Spain

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

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.

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.

Possible Line Up :

Germany : Lehmann, Lahm, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Friedrich, Hitzlsperger, Frings, Ballack, Podolski, Schweinsteiger, Klose.

Subs : O. Neuville, T. Borowski, S. Rolfes, K. Kuranyi, C. Fritz, R. Enke, P. Trochowski, Gomez, R. Adler, H. Westermann, M. Jansen

Manager: Joachim Löw

Captain: Michael Ballack

Spain : Cassilas, Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevilla, Senna, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Silva, Torres

Subs : A. Palop, J. Reina, X. Alonso, F. Navarro, Juanito, D. Guiza, S. García, R. Albiol, S. Cazorla, Arbeloa, R. De la Red

Injured : D. Villa 

Manager: Luis Aragonés

Captain: Iker Casillas

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