Spain to edge it

I am coming, finally, to a decision for a prediction of the winner of Euro 2008.

It is hours to go before the spectacle rounds up. As much as I want Jens Lehmann to enjoy a good honour, I think Spain will edge it.

Spain is on the back of nearly a dozen straight victories. Their best player is their supersub till now, Cesc Fabregas, and not the injured David Villa. Villa has only thrived in the group stages, scoring a hat-trick in the first match.

It is Cesc Fabregas who is a real contender to be the player of the tournament. His influential performance against Russia in the semi-finals has outlined his major standing in the squad, and he is certainly one of the players who will be contenders for the top honours both as an individual and with their teams.

I still believe Thierry Henry's best is yet to come. If Wenger can see the light, and Henry see the interest, to come back to Arsenal for a couple of seasons will make this a truly memorable era for modern football. He could go to US when he is 38 years old. I am sure he can still make an impact.

Lehmann hasn't got much clean sheets this tournament. He won't get it in the final either. I am boldly predicting a scintillating match ending in a 3-3 draw. Fabregas may have yet another 2 assists. But Spain to win in extra-time. A better prediction will be a 2-1 or 3-2 victory for Spain, perenial underachievers no more.

Herald the arrival of a new big star.