Euro 2008
Spaniards around the world must be downing their cervezas and enjoying a long awaited fiesta after Sunday's result. Only one goal was needed - a cunning delivery from star-striker Fernando Torres - to defeat the never-say-die Germans.
From the kick-off, the Germans came out strong and appeared predictably competitive. Bayern Munich striker Miroslav Klose nearly shot home a goal in only the second minute when he stole the ball after a messy pass from Sergio Ramos. Fortunately, Puyol was able to force the German out to the left and the chance came only to a goal kick. Spain looked shaky in the first fifteen minutes, possibly due to nerves, but after they found their rhythm they totally dominated the game.
On the 22nd Spain could have taken the lead after Torres headed a cross onto the left hand post. The ball rebounded but no Spaniards were close enough to take the ball and steer it into the empty net.
The one and only goal came on the 33rd. Midfielder Xavi offered a perfect ball towards the German area and Torres sprinted like a gazelle to connect with it, outpacing Lahm. Lehmann came out to secure the ball but Torres hit a perfectly timed finish just over the keeper's head and into the net. Perhaps Lehmann should have stayed on his line for longer. Lahm appeared to stop trying when he saw the keeper come to collect. Either way, the mistake was an expensive one and ultimately ended the German campaign.
Spain continued to dominate throughout the second half and played a consistently strong and beautiful game. Chances from Xavi, Ramos and an almost certain goal for Senna could have easily doubled or even tripled the margin and the Germans couldn't find it in themselves to retaliate with any effect.
Apart from Germans, it seems that everyone wanted the Spanish to win this game. It's been far too long that they've enjoyed success in a major tournament and their consistent underachievement is not a fair reflection on the quality of football that their national team produces. At the start of Euro 2008, many thought that their mighty squad of players would once again flake out in the quarters or semis. They appeared to be cursed or suffered stage-fright in a major way. But they did it. Under Luis Aragones' meticulous control they managed to play every game in the tournament with discipline, passion and immense talent. Every game of theirs was a joy to watch, with the exception of the cagey Italian match (although the penalty shoot-out was still a heart thumper) and they leave Vienna as the deserving victors from a great tournament.
Spain:
Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila, Senna, Iniesta, Fabregas (Alonso 63), Xavi, Silva (Santi Cazorla 66), Torres (Guiza 68)
Germany:
Lehmann, Friedrich, Metzelder, Mertesacker, Lahm (Jansen 46), Hitzlsperger (Kuranyi 58), Frings, Podolski, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Klose (Gomez 79)
