Friday, June 24, 2011

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25.06. (Sat) 20:45 Switzerland U21 - Spain U21

DID YOU KNOW?

Switzerland are competing in their fifth Euro U21 tournament, and have never before reached the final.

Admir Mehmedi netted his third goal of the tournament in extra-time against the Czech Republic to help his team to progress to the final.

Winger Xherdan Shaqiri has had 12 attempts off target so far in the tournament, more than double the amount of any other player.

Shaqiri is, however, the tournament's most fouled player, alongside Spain's Javi Martinez.

Spain will be going for their third title at this level, having won in both 1986 and 1998.

Adrian Lopez is the leading scorer in this year's finals with five goals in four matches. He will move to Atletico Madrid from relegated Deportivo next month.
Juan Mata is the tournament's leading assist-maker with two.

Diego Capel, Javi Martinez and Bojan Krkic are three of the top 10 most-capped Spanish players at this level, with 24, 23 and 21 appearances respectively.
Both nations' participation in this final has guaranteed their involvement in the 2012 Olympics in London.


PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Switzerland (4-4-2)
Sommer; Koch, Rossini, Klose, Berardi; Lustenberger, Frei, Shaqiri, Xhaki; Emeghara, Mehmedi

Defender Francois Affolter tore a thigh muscle in training the morning of Switzerland's semi-final clash and has been ruled out of the final. Granit Xhaka returns from suspension, however, and could take his place in the starting line-up.

Spain (4-3-3)
De Gea; Montoya, Botia, Dominguez, Didac; Javi Martinez, Ander Herrera, Thiago; Mata, Adrian, Jeffren

Spain coach Luis Milla could give Jeffren a start after his stunning goal against Belarus in the semi-final, with Athletic Bilbao youngster Iker Muniain likely to make way.

Adrian Lopez has been in blistering form so far in the tournament, netting on five occasions, and he will lead the line in what is likely to be an otherwise unchanged team.

Prediction
Spain have been regarded as the favourites to win the tournament from the off, and will not slip up at this stage. Switzerland will provide a stern test, but Luis Milla's men will celebrate collecting the trophy.
Editor's Prediction
Switzerland Under 21 1-2 Spain Under 21