UEFA Euro U-21 Championship: Powerhouse Spain seek record-equalling fifth title against Germany

Poland: Germany and Spain are bracing for a “clasico” showdown in the final of the European Under-21 championship in the southern Polish city of Krakow on Friday. Since 2009, only Sweden have broken the two teams’ dominance with their 2015 title, following a 2009 win by Germany and back-to-back titles for Spain in 2011 and 2013. [caption id=“attachment_3761061” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] High-flying Spain eye fifth title against a tough German side. AP[/caption] The two teams have not met in the knockout rounds since 1982, yet Friday’s final is set to bring back the memories of past clashes at all levels. “Germany are a world power in the game, we have met many times at youth and senior levels too,” Spain coach Albert Celades told reporters in Krakow on Thursday. “It’s a great rivalry, you could almost call it a ‘clasico’,” he said, referring to games pitting Real Madrid against Barcelona. In Poland, Germany won two games in the group stage and lost to Italy, before overcoming England on penalties in the semi-final, following a 2-2 draw. Spain, who have won four out of the two teams’ six encounters at the under-21 level so far, have been cruising through the tournament, having won all four games with an impressive total score of 12-2. Attacking skills will matter in the final, and Spain are better placed there, with five-goal Saul Niguez and three-goal Marco Asensio in a good shape. On the other hand, Germany’s top striker Davie Selke, with two goals so far, left Thursday’s training prematurely in search of medical treatment. “I think tomorrow we will need great individual performances, a good collective effort, good organisation,” added Celades. “Some media have made us favourites. There’s been a big euphoria surrounding the team in Spain but inside the group we’re very conscious of what it’s taken to get here.” “We know we have to compete 100 percent to be successful.” Germany striker Maximilian Philipp praised his team’s spirit “that has got us this far.” “I wouldn’t say Spain are the overwhelming favourites. It’s going to be a really tight game, very keenly contested,” said Philipp. “All the boys are really up for it, very motivated. I don’t know how many times I’ll get to play in a final, so we all want to win the title.”