Spain, the kings of Europe!



David Silva scores Spain's firs goal in the final against Italy



Spain are the European champions...AGAIN! Spain have now taken a grip on the game since they won the European Championships in 2008 and can take their place in history, alongside the great Brazilian team of 1970 and the brilliant French team of 1998 and 2000, after a 4-0 win against Italy to retain the European Championship and their World Cup triumph in South Africa two years ago. Italy started well and actually threatened but Spain got ahead when Andres Iniesta played a ball in behind the Italian defence which found Cesc Fabregas who put in a delightful ball which found David Silva who header it straight into the top corner. Then a devastating run and cool finish from left back Jordi Alba put Spain two up. This was a masterclass from the Spanish in the first half. In the second half things got worst for Italy, having used all their available substitutes they went down to 10 men when Thiago Motto went off injured after being on the field for only three minutes. Fernando Torres came on as a late sub and added to Italy's misery when he added a third and set up his club teammate, Juan Mata, for a fourth. Although being labeled boring and perhaps negative in the way they played, there was nothing boring or negative in the way they went about their business during this game and in the process ticked every box which indicates that they are a world class side and perhaps the greatest side ever! And when you look at the quality in the team, in the starting line up and on the bench, there are signs that this Spain side can continue to extend their reign. Iker Casillas is perhaps a symbol of this Spanish team, are great leader, responsible and mature. Although doubts over their defensive abilities the defense has had a great tournament with Sergio Ramos, stepping in at centre back to replace the injured Carles Puyol, hard as nails and the new Barcelona man Jordi Alba's raids down the left side being a highlight of this Spain side as well as the tournament. In the midfield the Barcelona "carousel" reigned supreme. Andres Iniesta, the man of the match and player of the tournament, controlled the tempo of the game with his amazing technical ability. Xavi's sublime pass set up Spain's second and the Xavi Alonso's distribution must have had Liverpool fans wishing that the club never let him go. Up front Cesc Fabregas did brilliantly in the false nine roll while David Silva was impeccable. And all this without David Villa and Carles Puyol. As for the Italians, their momentum was stopped and the frustrations were clearly expressed by their semi final hero, Mario Ballotelli. Although suffering a brutal defeat Andrea Pirlo, one of the stars of the tournament, as well as goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon can hold their heads high and be proud of what this team has done and how far they have progressed after a disappointing appearance two years ago in the world cup in South Africa. Spain's victory against Italy in the final as well as the greatness of this team, after winning three successive major tournaments, will be remembered for years to come.





And the winners are...