Hopefully Spain will help me end on positive note

WHAT is all this about, Spain against Italy in the Euro 2012 final?

I know anything can happen in this football lark but half-time of Germany's semi-final defeat to Italy on Thursday was about the only time in three weeks I had contemplated this showdown in Kiev not involving Joachim Low's men. Then up pops Super Mario Balotelli rather than mad Mario Balotelli and it's auf wiedersehen to my money.

They were supposed to be certainties and I backed them as if they were. I've spent the last few days too stunned to do anything – things were so bad I couldn't even take any pleasure from seeing the Germans in tears towards the end. Without a penny on, it would have been the highlight of the tournament. Instead, I was crying with them.

It's time for a recovery mission and backing Spain to win in 90 minutes is my idea of a knocking bet.

The Uefa fan predictor thing on their website had Italy down as the most likely winners of this final and while bookmakers unfortunately are not that stupid, Spain will pass a tired Italy to death before taking the title.

Whatever happens I will be poorer come the end of Euro 2012 and there's only one question I would like to ask.

Why have you caused me so much pain Mario, why always me?