Coaches predicting Caen classic

Their sides will be adversaries in the ninth UEFA European Under-19 Championship final but France coach Francis Smerecki and Spain counterpart Luis Milla share the belief that whichever emerges victorious at the Stade Michel-d'Ornano will be worthy winners.

The teams have advanced to the Caen showpiece unbeaten, France winning three of their four matches and Spain triumphing in all four. "This is going to be a great match," said Milla, whose side have scored ten goals – including three against both Italy and England in their last two games – to the hosts' 12. "These two teams have demonstrated they are the best in the tournament. Both have a very similar way of playing. The small difference is that France look to take advantage of their speed while we like to use our passing combinations more; we like to be elaborate. We're going to see extraordinary players with a lot of talent and quality. It's going to be a closely fought game and a beautiful final."

While Milla has been in charge of Spain's U19 selection since July 2008, Smerecki has been with this France squad since 2006 and has extra motivation for wanting to succeed here having seen his proteges overrun 4-0 by Spain in the U17 final two years ago – although he played down the significance of that result. "The circumstances then were very different, we spent a lot of energy [getting to the final] and could not repeat our performances," he said. "Now we've had a chance to use the squad. This will be an opportunity for us to measure our progress over the last two years; we already have some clues but now it's time to confirm this and go for victory."

No fewer than 19 of the 36 players who could feature on Friday were involved in the U17 tournament two years ago – nine from Spain, including Keko and Thiago Alcántara who both scored in the final – yet Milla agrees the timespan between the games renders the past relevant. "That result is just a detail for me but it's clear that France are going to be very motivated because of it," he explained. "My players should be motivated by the shirt they're wearing and playing against France. They know that playing the final of a tournament doesn't come around every day and that they are fortunate."

Milla's men have impressed with their possession football in France, although Smerecki is optimistic there are as yet unrevealed weaknesses for his side to exploit, saying: "Spain have one strong point, keeping the ball, but thankfully the team doesn't only have strong points. The common reference we have in this tournament is Croatia, as we both beat them 2-1 after being 1-0 down. Perhaps it means the two teams are close to one another. I did say 'perhaps'."

Given the highlights of Spain's eye-catching performances have been the remarkable goals scored by Ezequiel Calvente and Sergio Canales against Italy and England respectively, Smerecki believes a touch of invention could prove decisive – although he, naturally, hopes it comes from Les Petits Bleus. "There is room for surprise," he added. "It will lie with the talented player. Today matches turn on those touches of talent, class and the unexpected. In both teams there are enough talented players to cause a stir."