UEFA EURO 2008 FINAL
Date: Sun 29 June Kick-off: 1945 BST Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
Coverage: Live on BBC ONE and BBC Sport website (UK only), full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and on BBC Sport website (UK only), full text coverage on BBC Sport website and on mobiles
Spain's David Villa will miss Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Germany after suffering a thigh problem in the semi-final win over Russia.
The 26-year-old striker came off after 34 minutes of Spain's 3-0 victory after Spain Overwhelm Russia to Set up Final Date with Germany ...
Confidence Tinged with Caution Coming from Spanish Camp ...
World Championship scores ... injuring himself taking a free-kick.
"Now I have to enjoy the show from outside," said Villa, who is top scorer at the tournament with four goals.
"To play on Sunday would be a lottery - I would do it even if I had to play on one leg but this is a team."
He added: "There are other players who will do better 100% than one who is injured.
"At the start I was really upset because I knew it was going to be very difficult to play in the final if we got there.
"I just want to enjoy Sunday and celebrate winning the European Championship with everyone else.
"This is an achievement for the whole squad and we want to take the glory on Sunday."
Spain coach Luis Aragones revealed that although Villa's injury was not serious, it would rule him out of the match against Germany at the Ernst Happel stadium in Vienna.
"Villa will miss the final," he stated. "It's not serious but he'll miss the final because he has a pull."
The Valencia striker was replaced by Cesc Fabregas, who had a hand in Spain's second and third goals, first setting up Dani Guiza and then David Silva, after Xavi had given them the lead.
Fabregas has featured in all of Spain's Euro 2008 games, mainly as a substitute, and Aragones has hinted that the Arsenal midfielder may replace Villa for the final.
"I know how well he can perform, he is a great player like others in our squad," said Aragones.
"It's better for numbers and pressure (to have an extra midfielder) and that is how Xavi scored his goal. The point is to make them feel free."
Fabregas is raring to go if called upon and said: "I am here when the manager needs me.
"It is good, we came here to win the tournament and we got to the final, which I think is the most difficult thing.
"In the final anything can happen, a lot of things can influence the game."
(BBC)
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