Spanish Crowned As Champions Of Europe
La Roja Win Their First Silverware Since 1964
Euro 2008 Final
Spain 0 Germany 1
Spanish captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas holds the Euro 2008 Trophy surrounded by his teammates (INPHO)
Spain ended their 44-year wait for soccer glory as they defeated Germany 1-0 in the Euro 2008 Final at Ernst Happel stadium on Sunday.
Spain, appearing in their first major final since the 1984 European Championship had Cesc Fabregas as the replacement for injured tournament top scorer David Villa, who damaged a thigh muscle in the 3-0 semi-final win over Russia, as Liverpool forward Torres played in a lone attacking role.
Spanish coach, Luis Aragones said before tournament that he was stepping down as boss at its conclusion and he is set to go out on a high as Fernando Torres struck to secure Spain's first piece of silverware since the 1964 European Championship.
Favorites Germany enjoyed the better of the opening minutes, but Spain - often tagged as underachievers - began to dominate possession and Torres gave his side the lead on 33 minutes.
In the second half, Michael Ballack, fit to play after recovering from the calf injury which had prevented him from training, volleyed his side's best chance just wide of Spain's near post, but Aragones's men looked comfortable as they deservedly ended almost half-a-century of waiting for success.
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