44 year wait finally over for Spain as they claim the Euro 2008 trophy
June 30, 2008
In 1964 Spain won their first European title. In 2008 a 44 year wait for Spanish fans is finally over. In 1984 the Spanish team reached the final of the European Cup but since then they have failed to live up to expectations, that is until now.
A fantastic Fernando Torres goal in the 33rd minute where he outpaced Philipp Lahm before chipping delightfully over goalkeeper Jens Lehmann to score the only goal of the match. A pass from Xavi Hernández had released Torres on his way to scoring.
Several minutes earlier the post had denied Torres after he had shook off Per Mertesacker to create some space for a header only to see it bounce back off the upright.
The fact that Spain had not been this far in a major tournament since 1984 was seen as more of an inspriration rather than a burden as they entered the final against Germany.
At the start of the match the German team had been boosted with the news that their captain Michael Ballack would take part in the match after earlier talk of him being forced out with a calf injury.
Germany started the match looking better than Spain, however as time passed the Spaniards gradually took control of the match.
In the end Spain has finally delivered on the talent that comes out of the country. Now it remains to be seen if they can go on with things and claim the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
FIFA 2010 World Cup qualifying
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