European Fame for Spain

Spain ended a 44-year wait for silverware when they outclassed Germany in the Euro '08 Final on 29th June. Aragones set himself a target to win this trophy before the tournament commenced. He did that with ease and also showed the Spanish FA who reluctantly defended Aragones on many of his public outbursts. Aragones is now off to Istanbul, visions of a Turkish Delight with Fenerbahçe soon ??

While the experts were rallying for a midfield battle a certain striker, who had scored 33 goals in all competitions for Liverpool (in his first season in England also surpassing Ruud Van Nistelrooy's record), and having been written off by pundits after scoring just one goal in the competition stepped up and had 'Fiesta' on his mind. Torres was extremely sharp from the first minute and had already threatened Lehmann's goal having hit the post with a downward header. Soon after, Xavi slid one of his trademark slide-rule passes that was perfectly read by Torres and finished the move off with the most sublime of finishes. It could be argued that Lahm should have been a little more alert and stronger but Torres was too hot to handle.

Germany were a goal down and never really looked dangerous. Silva could have doubled Spain's lead but volleyed well over having been left unmarked. Ballack, who passed a late fitness test, had a snap-shot on Casillas' goal but was just wide. Both respective captains were booked for not having controlled their teams in an incident involving Ramos and Ballack. Fabregas was not at his brightest but did contribute in halting the German midfield trio by offering little space to work with. Fabregas was withdrawn on the hour mark and was replaced by another of Liverpool's Spanish quartet, Alonso, who as always did not waste a pass.

Seventy eight minutes, Torres received a standing ovation by the crowd and was replaced by Daniel Guiza. Germany's hard-fought road to the final was subsequently over and Joachim Low was left unsatisfied, dejected and for lack of better English, low. Germany's lack-luster and monotonous football was easily exploited by the Spanish Armada. A look on the brighter side would show that they were lucky to concede just a solitary goal. Germany's defenders looked completely bewildered throughout the match and I can firmly say that Algeria's defence could have urinated all over the Germans.

Spain's triumph was not just celebrated in Spain but also across England. The scousers in the red half of Liverpool are still rejoicing Rafa's spectacular signing. On a final note, the prediction I made turned out to be wrong but the outcome was the same, as well as the goal difference. Torr de force !!

Picture Source : Sky Sports