Alonso: Germans Not Favourites

Speaking to the Associated Press the fringe midfielder bucked the trend of Spanish players labeling Die Nationalelf as likely winners on Sunday.

The Liverpool man, "I don't think there's a clear favorite.

"The teams are pretty close, and anything can happen in a final. (Germany) have a great team with a lot of experience.

"Two years ago, they had a great World Cup. They changed their coach but have continued on the same line."

Naming as key threats Miroslav Klose, Bastian Scheweinsteiger, Michael Ballack, and Lukas Podolski, he said the quartet were all "great players."

Alonso himself has only enjoyed fleeting appearances in the Austria and Switzerland tournament, but denied the idea that Luis Aragonés' having a dedicated "first eleven" was causing tension that could prevent La Furia Roja's first trophy win since 1964.

"I don't know how it worked 44 years ago, but having been with the boys for a month, the group is fantastic," shrugged the ex-Real Sociedad man.

"We have a great atmosphere in the changing room. That is one of the keys to our success at the moment.''


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