Joachim Loew’s side will head to Berlin on Monday to party with supporters after today’s showpiece in Vienna. The three-time champion hopes the decision does not backfire and give Spain the idea that the Germans either think they have already won or see reaching the final as a satisfactory achievement in itself.

German defender Christoph Metzelder did little to placate the Spanish or believers in fate, saying Spain’s many failures in World Cups and European Championships gave the Germans a psychological edge.

The Spaniards have only won one major tournament, the European Championship of 1964. “I think they have a bit of a complex about these tournaments. It has taken them decades just to get beyond the quarterfinals,” Metzelder told a news conference. “I know they have respect for us and that will be in the back of their minds when we play on Sunday [today].“They are an excellent side but this is a big game and big games have their own rules.” The impressive Spain shrugged off another Viennese downpour to brush aside Russia 3-0 in Thursday’s semifinal, the latest in a string of entertaining matches at the excellent tournament.

‘Great players’

The Spaniards are confident they can rain on Germany’s parade despite an injury to tournament top scorer David Villa.

“You can cope with anything and we’ve got great players in all positions and whoever plays will do their job well and we hope it won’t affect us,” midfielder Santi Cazorla told reporters. “We have to keep faith with the same footballing philosophy we’ve shown up until now. We hope to maintain the level so that we end up as champions.”

Villa, who has bagged four goals, suffered a thigh problem against the Russians and has been all but ruled out today.

Meanwhile Uncertainty surrounding Turkey coach Fatih Terim has been cleared up, however, after the Turkish Soccer Federation said he would remain in charge for the 2010 World Cup. Terim had said he would probably step down following the undeserved 3-2 defeat by Germany in Wednesday’s semifinal.

The Turks have extra reason to bemoan their bad luck in not reaching the final after a study said the nation which wins will gain more than 90 million euros ($142 million) in economic benefits irrespective of prize money. The study from Britain’s Coventry University and commissioned by MasterCard also estimated that Vienna would enjoy short and long-term gains of more than 100 million euros purely for hosting the final. The fanzone will make up part of that figure with the Vienna public viewing space hoping to see its millionth visitor for the final.

However, some stall holders selling unusual treats have shut down because of a lack of business. “People don’t want exotic food, they want soccer food, like sausages or sandwiches,” said Anja Richter, spokeswoman for the Vienna fanzone.

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