Villa's hopes of recovery dashed

Spain striker David Villa will play no part in Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Germany, it was confirmed on Friday evening.

Villa was unable to finish Thursday's semi-final against Russia after suffering a thigh injury during the first half of the 3-0 victory, and initial fears was that he would be ruled out of the final.

Those fears have now been confirmed by Spanish team doctor Jesus Jimenez, who said at a press conference on Friday that the Valencia striker would be out of action for at least six days.

Villa is the leading scorer at Euro 2008 with four goals, one more than Germany opponent Lukas Podolski.