Spain and Germany have gone their separate ways since their seismic collision in the final of Euro 2008 two months ago, but both have failed to kick the winning habit. The European champions Spain were welcomed by a vociferous home attendance in beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 in Murcia on Saturday, and tonight they will again wallow in home comforts against Armenia, on a night in which calculating the score could be a more worthwhile ploy than the competitive nature of such a contest.
David Villa scored the winner in their opening World Cup qualifying match occupying the solitary striker role with Fernando Torres and David Silva missing due to injury, but he could be granted more support this evening. "We'll fight so that Villa is not so alone and always has close to him a midfielder," said the Spain coach Vicente del Bosque. Germany were a good second to an outstanding Spanish side in Austria and Switzerland, but they are likely to encounter a test of some stiffness when they travel to Helsinki to challenge Finland.
After thumping Liechtenstein 6-0, Germany are expected to beat a Finland side who are apparently troubled by injuries and suspension. "We have a very difficult task ahead of us against a team who has been very well organised the last few years," said the Germany coach Joachim Loew. "The Finns lost narrowly out to Poland and Portugal in the qualifying for Euro 2008. The team have European class and is a strong opponent."
Germany are expected to opt for Robert Enke as their goalkeeper with Serdar Tasci and Heiko Westermann at the heart of an altered defence. @Email:dkane@thenational.ae