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.

“We have not been at a high level permanently,” said Low. “However, the pressure is off now we’re in the final.

“We have the experience of this kind of tournament. We believe we can win such games - we have a winner’s mentality.”

The defeat by Croatia in the group stages appeared at the time to be a major setback to Germany’s hopes of progressing through the tournament, while narrow wins over Austria, Portugal and Turkey could have gone against them had opposition teams been more clinical.

By contrast, Spain have won every match in Austria and Switzerland, easing into the final courtesy of a 3-0 win over Russia in their last-four match, although they did need penalties to beat Italy in the previous round.

“The Spanish also showed eloquently they were the better team against Russia,” added Low.

“Once they took the lead they were very good at moving the ball around among themselves.

“But we’re in the final now and we have a lot to win on Sunday. We know we can do it and our morale is high, that’s what matters.”

Stuttgart midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger believes the key to a German victory will depend on whether they can interrupt Spain’s fluid passing game.

“We have to improve a lot of areas, we have to close Spain down early, because the worst thing you can do is let them have time on the ball,” said Hitzlsperger. “We have to do that from the first minute and, if we do, we have a good chance of winning the game.”

Germany defender Christoph Metzelder has spent the last 12 months in Spain, having joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund, but he concedes that he only has basic knowledge of his opponents in the final.

He has played alongside Spain internationals Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos and faced the likes of David Silva, Marcos Senna and Raul Albiol but said: “Our scouts have been watching Spain for some time and they certainly know more about them than I do.

“However, I know the mentality of the players and also know how to play against them. I will give my team-mates a few tips but it certainly won’t be anything decisive.”

The 27-year-old revealed he has been in touch with Casillas and Ramos since the semi-finals but insists any friendships will be on hold until after Sunday’s showdown.

“We have sent each other our congratulations on reaching the final and we really get on well but that is something that will be put on ice for 90 minutes on Sunday,” he added.

“Then everyone will be doing his best for his country and to win the title.”

Source: BBC Sport