Germany and Czech Republic Meet for European Soccer Title

It is Europe’s strongest team against the upset specialist.

Germany aims for its third European title in its fifth final today against the upstart Czech Republic, which has beaten Italy, Portugal and France.

Germany will be without two of its most experienced and influential players, Stefan Reuter and Andreas Moeller, who are suspended.

The Germans almost certainly will be without injured captain and standout striker Juergen Klinsmann. He tore a calf muscle in a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Croatia.

The Czechs were 80-to-1 shots when the 16-team competition started three weeks ago.

The Czechs advanced to the final by defeating France in a penalty shootout, 6-5, after a 0-0 tie.

The Germans also got a 6-5 tiebreaker victory, over England in a semifinal penalty shootout after a 1-1 tie at Wembley.