Villa to miss the grand finale

Spanish striker David Villa will be missed in the Euro 2008 final against Germany after picking up an injury in the semifinal clash against Russia. Spain won the match 3-0.

David Villa was injured in the 34th minute of the match because of a thigh strain while taking a free kick.

He was replaced by Cesc Fabregas. Although the substitution was considered as a precaution to save Villa for the final, latest reports suggest that he is ruled out of the final.

"Villa won't be playing in the final. He suffered a muscle strain," said Spain's coach Luis Aragones.

The 26-year old is the leading goal scorer of the tournament with four to his name, including a hat-trick against Russia in the group stages.

The Valencia man's injury will see the impressive Dani Guiza getting a chance to start for the first time. Guiza had been the top scorer in Spain scoring 27 goals for Real Mallorca.