Villa set for final heartache
27 Jun 2008 - 07:34:11
Spain striker David Villa is set to miss Sunday's final against Germany after injuring his thigh in the 3-0 semi-final victory over Russia.
The Valencia marksman is the tournament's current top-scorer with four goals, but limped off in the first half of the 3-0 victory after aggravating an injury when taking a free-kick.
"Villa is injured at the moment. I don't know if he will be able to play in the final," revealed coach Luis Aragones after the match.
Villa scored a hat-trick in Spain's opening 4-1 group stage win over Russia and was also on the mark in the 2-1 success over Sweden which booked their place in the knockout stages.
The disappointed striker added: "I injured myself first of all while sprinting, but the pain got worse and it went when I took the free-kick.
"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.
"But after the way the team played in the second half I cheered up and now am really happy despite everything.
"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."
