Ramelow tips Spain for Euro 2012 glory

Former Germany defender Carsten Ramelow believes Spain will become the first team to defend their European title.

Germany cruised into the knockout rounds of Euro 2012 with three victories in the group stage, and were dealt a favourable draw against Greece.

However, should they overcome the Euro 2004 winners on Friday, the will face either Italy or England in the semi-finals, and Ramelow believes they will come undone against Cesare Prandelli’s men.

“Italy are always good for a surprise, and they are always the favourites,” the former Bayer Leverkusen man told Goal.com.

“I think it depends on the form on the day. Italy are the secret favourites, and therefore I’d tip them to win.”

Ramelow went on to say that he would back Spain to overcome Portugal if both teams are able to advance to the semi-finals.

“I think that Spain are the favourites. Portugal are strong, and I could see them reaching the final if they were facing a different opponent, but they will bow out to Spain,” he said.

Ramelow then predicted Spain would beat Italy in the final to win their third consecutive international tournament.

“I think that Spain will step up a gear, and defeat the Azzurri 3-1. They look to be happy, and play effectively. They shouldn’t lose when it matters, because they’re Spain,” Ramelow said.

Ramelow represented Germany at Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup, and won a total of 46 caps for his country.