Oh, most of the Spaniards won't admit what the oddsmakers are quoting. They are understandably wary, considering their opponent owns three World Cup titles and three Euros and entered the tournament as the favorite.

Deny it as they might, though, the Spaniards have been the most impressive performers. They worked through a perfect opening round, a dull but successful quarterfinal they won in a shoot-out against world champion Italy, and a 3-0 rout of Russia in the semifinals.

Now comes Germany, which could be missing captain Michael Ballack. He sat out yesterday's last practice with a right calf problem.

"They are fast and deadly in this kind of game," midfielder Marcos Senna said of Germany. "I think both teams will try to do what they know."

Senna had better be referring to what Spain has done this month, not what it has known through the years.

The Spaniards have won only a single major crown, the 1964 Euros, despite a wealth of talent and two of the continent's top clubs: Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Each time they've come to a World Cup or a European Championship, they have shown glimpses of the skill, drive and perseverance it takes to compete for such titles. But only glimpses.

Two years ago at the World Cup in Germany, Spain swept through its first-round group, outscoring the opposition by 8-1. Then it fizzled against the French, who struggled to get into the second round.