Euro glory for Spanish Reds

Fernando Torres was in a buoyant mood yesterday evening

Spain are the new European Champions, after defeating Germany 1-0 in last night’s final at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna. Liverpool’s very own number nine, Fernando Torres, was the hero of the match as he scored the only goal in the 33rd minute. Racing onto a delightful through ball from Barcelona midfielder Xavi, Torres shrugged off Philipp Lahm’s challenge and clipped the ball over the advancing Jens Lehmann for a goal of genuine class.

Torres had already hit the post in the 20th minute, with a towering header at the far post which had Lehmann well beaten, and Spain had further chances to extend their lead in the second half. Torsten Frings cleared a shot from Andres Iniesta off the line, while Marcos Senna came within an inch or two of turning in Daniel Guiza’s downward header. Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso came on for the disappointing Cesc Fabregas in the 63rd minute and did well, almost converting at the near post and then playing in Santi Cazorla, whose finish was weak. Liverpool’s Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa were unused substitutes.

Italian referee Roberto Rosetti finally put Germany (who had mustered only four shots during the match, compared to thirteen by the Spanish) out of their misery after three minutes of stoppage time and Spain had at last shrugged off their “perennial underachievers” tag, landing their first international title since the European Championship in 1964. Given that the current team has young talent like Casillas, Ramos, Fabregas, Iniesta, Silva and Torres at its disposal, it looks as though the Spanish won’t have to wait a further 44 years to lift another trophy.