Hours away from kickoff now, and we're all but certain that this game won't feature Michael Ballack and David Villa. I'm more inclined to think that the Germans will miss Ballack more, but it isn't like he's their creator as much as he is their leader in every sense of the word. I have a funny feeling that this is going to be a strange game, with a few twists and turns along the way.
I can only imagine the legacy of this Spanish team if they capture victory today. They would obviously go down in Spanish history, but more than that, they will be remembered as the ones who pulled Spain out of their almost self-inflicted slump, and readjusted the footballing power scale of Europe.
I'm looking for Lehmann to have a big game, and mix it up a bit. Maybe he'll get in pretty boy Torres' face early like he likes to, and make some good saves thereafter. But the Germans are weak down the left. Aside from that goal, Lahm has been pitiful this tournament, and I look for Ramos, Silva, Iniesta, etc. to exploit him. The only problem is that Podolski and Schweinsteiger have proven that they can counter-attack before, and they'll be even more inclined to break down the right side when Ramos gets out of position.
Spain have been the best team in Europe for almost two years now, with their unbeaten exceeding 20 games. There's no reason to think that they can't beat this less than perfect German side. But I'm not going to get ahead of myself. Germany? In a final? Let's hope it doesn't go to penalties...
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