Germany and Spain, like I've said all along

Since I never -- and I mean never -- get predictions right, I'll be the first one to remind y'all that I picked Germany and Spain in the final.

Their paths were a little different, but the end game is the same.

I picked Spain 2-1 then, and I'll do the honorable thing and stand by my pick. Here are some thoughts on the semis and upcoming final:

• It's a shame to see David Villa go down, but Spain should be just fine without him. Plug super-sub Cesc in the mix and they don't lose much.
  
  
• Bastian Schweinsteiger -- I'm not gonna bother looking up how to spell that -- is the wildcard for the Germans. He can change the game in so many ways, both postively and negatively.
  
  
• Spain's most unheralded star is Senna, it's Brazilian-born defensive midfielder. He helped shut down Arshavin and has been remarkably consistent throughout the tournament.
  
  
• If anyone can blow it in the spotlight, it's Jens Lehmann. That headcase is gonna be the subplot of the final, believe me.

Once again, you heard it hear first. Spain 2-1.

You're covering my tab if I'm right...