UEFA U-21 Euros: Spain plot revenge when they face Germany in final

In a repeat of the 2017 final, Spain will meet defending champions Germany in the under-21 European Championship final at the Stadio Friuli, in Udine.

Two years ago to the day, Germany triumphed over Spain with a 1-0 victory in Poland. This time around, both teams come into the match in good form and plenty of reasons for optimism.

Spain:

The Spanish enter the final off the back of the performance of the tournament against France, beating the Blues 4-1. Capturing the essence of Spanish football within 90 minutes, Spain played their free-flowing, intricate stuff with aplomb, blowing France away. The four-time champions had also recovered from the opening 3-1 defeat by Italy to finish top of Group A and are carrying good momentum.

Key Player: Dani Ceballos

Photo: EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images

Once again, the Real Madrid star is Spain’s main man. Dani Ceballos has two goals and two assists in the tournament so far and a good chance of being named player of the tournament for the second successive time. He’s previously picked up the accolade when Spain were runners-up in 2017.

Operating in an advanced midfield position, Ceballos will be hoping to be the catalyst for gaining revenge against their counter-parts on Sunday.

Germany:

Goals have not been a worry for this efficient Germany side, scoring 14 goals in the four matches so far in this tournament. In the semi-finals they managed to halt surprise package Romania by snatching two late goals in a 4-2 victory. The Germans are unbeaten in the tournament and will be hoping to ensure it stays that way in the final.

Key Player: Luca Waldschmidt

Photo: Imago Images / DeFodi

Unsurprisingly, the Freiburg striker is the integral figure within this well-oiled German machine. Scoring seven goals, half of the team’s total in the tournament, Luca Waldschmidt is drawing admirers from all over Europe. One more strike would mean the 23 year-old would overtake Swede Marcus Berg’s record achieved in 2009 for the most scored at a continental championship.

Perhaps an unlikely and unexpected hero, Waldschmidt has thrived in this campaign and will look to finish off a sensational tournament with a winner’s medal.

Prediction: Spain 2 – 3 Germany