I have never supported that popular saying that names don’t play football. I believe they do otherwise why so much time and money will be spent to chase a player like Cristiano Ronaldo. The young man has made a name in football and it is his name that draws the crowds to fill the stands. Who will pay to watch nonentities on the pitch .I insist that names make the game tick and teams that think otherwise will continue to have no silverware in their wardrobes.

There is no doubt that the Euro 2008 final between Spain and Germany will parade some of the most exciting names in world football. It is great names like Fernando Torres of Spain and Germany’s Miroslav Klose that will set the stadium ablaze.

Football pundits agree that Torres has excellent ball control with both feet and his supremacy in the air makes him a first class striker. He has displayed these qualities clearly in the championships so far.

England star Michael Owen admires the way Torres takes on goalkeepers one on one. “He’ll keep them guessing and remains cool and composed when the heat is on in front of goal That’s the true hallmark of a true goal grabber” Owen said. And I back him to the hilt.

It is my firm belief that Torres will take the entire Spanish team on his shoulders when the going gets tough and for once I tip the perennial underachievers to carry the day.

Of course Germany spearheaded by Miroslav Klose will be at their usual aggressive best and the outstanding pace of Klose will come in handy

Klose is reputed to have the ability to steal a yard on defenders inside the penalty area which gives him a head start and invariably takes him into scoring positions.

With such a talented player and many more of his like on parade those who dispute the fact that names matter in football must be joking..

Millions around the globe will be in front of their TV sets to pay homage to football’s great names because the Euro 2008 final is going to parade an array of big names in the game.