Germany v Spain: U21 EURO final preview

UEFA.com will have numerous reporters on the ground in Krakow – including one dedicated to each finalist – bringing you live analysis, photos, minute-by-minute commentary and reaction. There will also be extensive coverage on Twitter (@UEFAUnder21), Facebook (@under21) and Instagram (uefaeuro).

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Possible line-ups

Germany: Pollersbeck; Toljan, Jung, Kempf, Gerhardt; Haberer, Arnold; Philipp, Meyer, Gnabry; Platte.

▪ Davie Selke is carrying a knock from the England semi-final and left training early on Thursday. Niklas Stark, also not at full tilt in training, could start in place of Gideon Jung if passed fit.

Germany go through their pre-final preparations©Getty Images

Spain: Kepa; Bellerín, Meré, Vallejo, Jonny; Saúl, Llorente, Ceballos; Deulofeu, Sandro, Asensio.

▪ Spain come into the final with a fully-fit squad to choose from; with Dani Ceballos in good shape, the shape of the attack looks to be clear.

Who said what?

Stefan Kuntz, Germany coach: "We said from the start we wanted to measure ourselves against the best. We've faced Italy, England and now Spain. It's a great challenge. We'll play as we did in the other games, stick to our philosophy, but also adapt to our opponents."

Albert Celades, Spain coach: "I think they're great opponents. We have respect for Portugal and Italy who are great teams but Germany are in the final. Miracles don't exist, there is a lot of talent there and we have to do something more than we did against Portugal and Italy. We are prepared to face Germany with the best mentality."

Reporters' views

Phil Röber, Germany team reporter (@UEFAcomPhilipR): Well done to Kuntz and his team for reaching this final. With most key players promoted to the senior side for the FIFA Confederations Cup, this accomplishment speaks volumes for the depth Germany have in this generation. Spain, who arguably took their best possible squad to Poland, may be favourites, but Germany's team spirit and cohesion is not to be underestimated.

Santi Retortillo, Spain team reporter (@UEFAcomSantiR): The exceptional second half against Italy should have convinced any remaining sceptics about the qualities of this promising generation. Marco Asensio will once again be the focus of attention, and is central to the flowing, attacking football that Spain have produced. At the other end, if Germany come out attacking, they will have to beat a keeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has proved his worth with several outstanding saves. If Spain play as they have been, it is hard to see them getting beaten.

Players with senior international caps

Germany (8 total): Maximilian Arnold (1 cap), Yannick Gerhardt (1), Serge Gnabry (2), Max Meyer (4)

Spain (15 total): Marco Asensio (3), Hector Bellerín (3), Gerard Deulofeu (3), Saúl Ñíguez (3), Mikel Oyarzabal (1), Denis Suárez (1), Iñaki Williams (1)

How did they get this far?

Germany (best runners-up)
Won 2-0 v Czech Republic
Won 3-0 v Denmark
Lost 0-1 v Italy
Drew 2-2 with England (4-3 pens)

Spain (Group B winners)
Won 5-0 v FYR Macedonia
Won 3-1 v Portugal 
Won 1-0 v Serbia
Won 3-1 v Italy

How can I watch the game?

Germany: ZDF
Spain: Cuatro

The full list of broadcast partners is available here. Games will also be streamed live on UEFA.com and UEFA.tv in some territories.

What you might not already know

If Spain lift the trophy on Friday, Francisco and Marcos Llorente will be the first father and son to have won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship title. 'Paco' Llorente triumphed on penalties in 1986 following a 3-3 aggregate draw with Italy in the final.