One win away from glory

Berlin – It's a final which many predicted, involving two nations which have dominated world and European football over the last few years. Germany will play Spain in the final of the U21 European Championship this evening. "Spain is a great final opponent. The way that they play reminds me of Real Madrid, Barcelona and the Spain first team," said head coach Stefan Kuntz ahead of the match which kicks off at 20:45 CEST in Krakow.    

Coach Kuntz has built his team around a core of Hertha players: Niklas Stark, Mitchell Weiser and new singing Davie Selke. Vice-captain Stark had been an ever-present at centre-back until he was forced to miss the semi-final win over England because of a last minute injury sustained in the warm-up. "His muscles seized up during the warm-up. It was a result of something which happened in the game against the Czech Republic," said Kuntz. The Berlin man is hoping to be fit in time for the final. "I'm giving everything to try and be fit," said the 22-year-old. There is also a question mark over Davie Selke. The striker who has scored two goals in the tournament so far, was forced off with a foot injury during the second half of the semi-final. Mitchell Weiser, who was rested against England, will be an option for Germany. 

Excitement and ambition

Germany will need to be at their best in the final against Spain. The Spanish defeated Italy 3-1 in their semi-final and with the likes of Hector Bellerin (Arsenal) Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid) and Marco Asensio (Real Madrid) in their ranks, have a squad packed full of quality. The Spaniards, who are famous for their 'total football' style of play, are playing in their third final in the last four tournaments. "We can't let them play too much. We need to stop them and impose our strengths on them," said Kuntz ahead of the match.

The Germans have the belief that they can land their first U21 title since 2009. "I'm proud of the boys. they have shown people back home what team spirit is," said the head coach, praising his team. The togetherness of the team will again surely be the key to success this evening. Freiburg's Janik Haberer said: "We have lots of self-belief and know what we're capable of. This final is another part of our history which we want to write."