Germany coach Joachim Low generously praised Spain ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2008 final in Vienna, pinpointing their consistency throughout the competition.

“The Spaniards have been the most constant team here,” said Low.

“They have shown consistent levels of performance, they are flexible regarding their positioning and they are sure of the passes they make.

“A lot of their players play in the Champions League - they are used to playing under intense pressure.”

Spain have won all of their five games in reaching the final, while Germany suffered a defeat to Croatia in the group stages.

Germany captain is a doubt for Sunday’s Euro 2008 final after missing training on Friday and Saturday because of a calf injury.

The German Football Federation said the 31-year-old, who has scored two goals in the tournament, is having treatment.

Spain will have to alter their line-up, with striker David Villa ruled out because of a thigh injury.

That could mean a start for Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas in a five-man midfield, with Fernando Torres the lone striker.

Euro 2008 has given international football the kiss of life it so desperately needed and, after 42 games ripe with quality and passion, the final act is upon us.

Teutonic power versus Latin artistry? Muscle versus mind?

A classic match-up between genuine European heavyweights, Germany against Spain can rightly be billed as such, given the evidence of their respective passages to the final.

But beneath the instant stereotypes are a litany of sub-plots and subtleties that will decide the game - from the tactics employed by managers who lead national sides with a combined population of 142 million, right down to the intricate technique of 20-plus players.

Spain produced a superb display to cruise past Russia and set up a Euro 2008 final against Germany on Sunday.

Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas was the driving force behind the win after coming on as substitute for injured David Villa.

Xavi turned home Andres Iniesta’s cross after 50 minutes and substitute Daniel Guiza converted a superb pass from Fabregas with 17 minutes left.

Fabregas played in David Silva for a simple third after 82 minutes as a disappointing Russia ended well beaten.

A heart defect has prevented veteran French defender Lilian Thuram from signing for Paris St Germain.

The 36-year-old Barcelona defender had been expected to sign a one-year deal with the French First Division side.

He retired from international football after Euro 2008, and says that he has been diagnosed with a heart condition.

“I’m holding this press conference not to announce my signing for PSG but to tell you that doctors have detected a heart defect,” said Thuram.

Emmanuel Adebayor has ended speculation about his immediate future by announcing he is staying at Arsenal.

The Togo striker, who scored 30 goals in 48 games last season, has been a target for both AC Milan and Barcelona.

But the 24-year-old said: “I have a good contract, we have a good team there and I’m playing for one of the biggest teams in the world.

“The most important thing for me is to keep on enjoying my football. I’m staying at Arsenal.”

AC Milan have made it public knowledge that Adebayor is their main target this summer.

Germany keeper Jens Lehmann has refused to be drawn on a decision about his international future.

The 38-year-old will line up for the Germans in their semi-final against Turkey on Wednesday.

Lehmann, who will be making his 60th international appearance, said: “I am concentrating on Wednesday’s game.”

The former Arsenal keeper will play his club football back in Germany for VFB Stuttgart next season after agreeing a one-year deal.

Lehmann is the second oldest player at Euro 2008 behind Austrian Ivica Vastic (also 38), who twice came off the bench for the co-hosts.