Aragones demands Spanish victory

Spain coach Luis Aragones has warned his players ahead of Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Germany that no-one remembers the runners-up.

The Spaniards take on Joachim Low's side at the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna looking to clinch a title which has eluded them since 1964.

And despite the euphoria that has surrounded Spain's achievements in getting this far, Aragones told his players that they will have no cause to celebrate should they fail to take that final step and lift the trophy.

"I have told my players that no-one remembers the runners-up," said Aragones.

"My players look good, with the desire to play a good game and lift the trophy. We respect Germany but I will only be happy and be able to show off if we win tomorrow."

Spain go into the final as favourites and the in-form side, a point emphasised by their 3-0 beating of Russia in Thursday's semi.

According to Aragones, the reason for this success is the team spirit within the camp.

He said: "You can have the best players in the world but if there is not a good atmosphere in the team, it's impossible to win."

"I feel happy to have a group that has believed in me and that has followed my tactics and style."

"We took a lot of criticism after Euro 2004 and we went through a bad time but now everything seems to be on course."

In spite of his warning Aragones knows it will require a mighty effort from his players to overcome a team they have not beaten in a competitive game since the 1984 European Championships, and appeared well aware of the threat posed by their opponents.

Although captain Michael Ballack is doubtful because of a calf injury, Aragones is still wary of the Germans.

"I have not watched all of Germany's games," admitted Aragones. "But I know that they have had better games than others in this tournament."

"We face a German side that are very good and can make life difficult for us."

"We know they do not play with the fluidity that we have but they are very fast at counter-attacks."

"Germany has physical power and they are dangerous in dead-ball situations, they are taller than us and we will have to limit the chances we give them."

On Ballack's possible absence he added: "Ballack is a great player but whoever replaces him will run more."

"My worry is the 11 German players that come out not just a specific player."

Whatever the result, Aragones was adamant that this would be his last game in charge and insisted he will not reconsider his decision to step down from the national team once the tournament is over.

"There's no turning back, I'm leaving," said Aragones, who has been linked with Turkish side Fenerbahce.

"I have been four years defending my country and I will be nostalgic once it's over but I will continue to work in football."

"I would hope like any other Spaniard that the national team always wins."