Fernando Torres' strike wins Euro 2008 for Spain as Germany say goodnight Vienna

By Henry Winter in Vienna
Last Updated: 2:30am BST 30/06/2008Page 1 of 2
Germany (0) 0 Spain (1) 1
This wonderful festival of football finished in style, settled by that stylish finisher Fernando Torres. In ending 44 years of hurt, Spain possessed too much heart, too much invention, and too much Torres for Germany.

In pics: Spain beat Germany to end 44-year wait
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Player ratings: Germany | Spain
The Spanish striker took his goal expertly, racing through and lifting the ball over the otherwise excellent Jens Lehmann, but there was steel to these Spaniards as well as silk. Xavi was again magnificent in midfield, making tackles, making attacks, driving his team on to their first silverware since the 1964 European Championship.

Crowning moment: Spain hold aloft the European Championship trophy after 44-year wait

This was a triumph of Spanish courage and skill and also brilliant management by Luis Aragones. He set up his team well, ensuring constant support to the lone front-running Torres, and used his substitutes superbly, constantly setting Germany problems they could not solve. No wonder his players grabbed Aragones at the final whistle and threw him up in the air.

As hard as Michael Ballack worked, Spain were simply superior in all departments, and in Torres they possessed the cutting edge the Germans lacked.

Torres had not been at his electric best in reaching the final but he had immediately began reminding everyone of his Liverpool form, perhaps inspired by the pre-match rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone. The Liverpool striker swiftly linked with Cesc Fabregas, who was playing the Steven Gerrard support role to Torres. His goal, when it came, was conceived in Villarreal and Barcelona, in the quick-thinking of the superb Marcos Senna and Xavi.

Spain would be hopeless on Mastermind - too many passes - but they took a more direct route for Torres' stunning first-half strike. The reward their pressure had been promising soon came, a marvellous goal, showcasing all that is good about Aragones' side, the touch and vision, yet also a celebration of simplicity.

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Two fast passes down the middle and Germany were opened up. Senna found Xavi, who instantly swept the ball down the inside-right channel for Torres to chase. Philipp Lahm and Lehmann still guarded the avenue to goal. Not well enough.

For these are the openings Torres craves, a defender reacting too slowly and then a keeper diving at his feet. Having outpaced Lahm with almost embarrassing ease, Torres glided into the box. As Lehmann threw himself forward, Torres lifted the ball over the prostrate German goalkeeper.

It was a goal fit for a king and a queen, and the Spanish royal couple leapt to their feet in delight. Fernando Torres: goals by Royal Approval. It was a glittering goal that echoed another final gem by a Liverpool striker, Kenny Dalglish's elegant chip over the Bruges goalkeeper, Birger Jensen, to win the 1978 European Cup.

Yet Spain had been forced to endure a testing opening 10 minutes. Germany had clearly decided to target the space behind Sergio Ramos, knowing that Spain's right-back loved to push upfield. Ramos briefly suffered a torrid time.

Poor control by the Real Madrid defender let in Miroslav Klose, who just over-ran the ball. Ballack then outpaced Carles Puyol and Ramos, who still managed to snake out a leg and take the sting out of the Chelsea midfielder's cross. Ramos' uncertainty then allowed a glimpse of goal for Thomas Hitzlsperger, whose low shot was gathered by Iker Casillas.

For all Germany's threat, for all Lukas Podolski's pace constantly worrying Ramos, Spain gradually imposed their superior technique. Torres began to show. Lurking right of goal 20 yards out, Torres placed the ball back to Xavi, whose diagonal pass behind Arne Friedrich was weighted perfectly for Andres Iniesta. His cross was drilled hard, the ball rising and catching the bearded Christoph Metzelder and deflecting goalwards. Lehmann reacted marvellously, stretching out a fist and beating the ball away.

Germany sensed the rising tide of Spanish ambition, saw that Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas - the Three Amigos - were beginning to cause havoc. Ballack sought to break the baton of Spain's conductor, Xavi, stamping on the Barcelona midfielder's ankle.

Alan Smith: Nearly man Ballack settles for silver
As it happened: Spain crowned champions
Spain homepage | Germany homepage
Spain would not be cowed and began building to their first-half goal. Fabregas sent Ramos rampaging down the right, the full-back lifting over a magnificent cross that Torres, timing his climb superbly to elude Per Mertesacker, headed against the post. He was getting closer.

Germany briefly hit back, Ballack appealing for a penalty when the ball struck the ribs of Ramos and more legitimately when Joan Capdevila appeared to handle. But Spain held firm, and conjured up that moment of first-half magic from Torres. source : www.telegraph.co.uk


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VIENNA (AP) — A championship 44 years in the waiting is worth a special celebration.

Euro 2008: Spain 1, Germany 0
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Spain made sure it did not disappoint any of its fans Sunday night, both during its 1-0 victory against Germany to win the European Championship and after it.

Fernando Torres scored in the 33rd minute and the Spaniards never backed down against such a formidable opponent. Their last significant title came in the 1964 European Championship at home.

“It is to me the most important day in Spanish football in many, many years,” Torres said.

Against the highly accomplished Germans, the Spaniards were not intimidated. They got the one goal they needed — from a slumping striker, no less — and set off chants of “ES-PAÑA!” and “Olé, Olé, Olé!” at the final whistle.

The entire Spanish squad ran over to the huge rooting section of red and gold, exchanging hugs, while many of the spent Germans collapsed to the turf.

When Spain’s goalkeeper and captain, Iker Casillas, accepted the trophy on a stage, the Spanish fans began chanting the melody to their national anthem, which has no words. Thousands of camera flashes went off as the players jumped in place, then headed onto the field to show off their prize.

The Spaniards were not close to finished with their celebration that was so long in the making. They marched to their rooting section, hoisting the cup and saluting their flag-waving, firecracker-exploding fans.

“We have won in a brilliant way,” Coach Luis Aragonés said. “We will be able to start saying we can win, a European championship as well as any other thing.”

In beating a team that makes a habit of appearing in championship finals, the Spaniards put to rest a reputation for underachieving. Always loaded with talented players, Spain has spent four decades falling short of expectations.

That all changed here, where the Spaniards swept their first-round games, eliminated the World Cup champion Italy in a penalty-kick shootout in the quarterfinals, then routed Russia, 3-0, in the semifinals.

“We played the best for the entire tournament, and we beat some great teams,” Torres said. “We beat Italy, the World Cup champion, and we beat Russia and now Germany. That is how you become champion.”

Germany has won three European titles and three World Cups, but was no match in this final. Its captain, Michael Ballack, questionable before the game with a calf injury, started, but hardly was noticeable — except when he left for several minutes to have a bloody right eye treated.

“We had a great tournament but made one mistake too many,” Ballack said. “We were lacking of power against a great Spanish team. We couldn’t keep up with them.”

Torres, who had 33 goals for Liverpool this season but had been invisible in this tournament, came through off a brilliant feed from Xavi Hernández.

Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, the oldest player in the competition at 38, charged from his net when he saw that defender Philipp Lahm was beaten on the right side. But Torres chipped the ball over the sliding Lehmann and into the gaping goal.

The crowd of 51,428 at Ernst Happel Stadium, split almost equally, might have expected the Spaniards to go into a protective shell. Instead, and even without their leading scorer, David Villa (leg injury), they continued to carry the attack and were far more dangerous than Germany the rest of the way.

Indeed, Lehmann, who helped the Germans to third place in the 2006 World Cup, kept it close with several tough saves.

This was the last game for 69-year-old Aragonés, the oldest coach to win a European title.

“The most important thing about our team, perhaps, is the manager,” Torres said. “He has confidence in us, and he lets us play. We have brought him the championship in his last game for Spain, and we are very happy we could make this history for him and for us.”

Germany’s Joachim Löw has a contract through the 2010 World Cup but will need to find the spark Germany showed periodically during the tournament.

“Spain played very well during the whole tournament, and they were technically excellent,” Löw said. “They fully deserve victory.” source : www.nytimes.com

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Euro 2008 Final

Last Updated: Friday, June 27, 2008 | 5:29 PM ET
CBC Sports
Cesc Fabregas has been sensational coming off the bench for Spain at Euro 2008. (Bernat Armangue/Associated Press)
After three weeks of magic involving 16 teams from across Europe, Euro 2008 comes down to Germany and Spain.

Sunday's final from Vienna pits the Germans against the Spaniards for the first time in a major tournament since the two nations played to a 1-1 draw in the first round of the 1994 World Cup.

John F. Molinaro, editor of CBCSports.ca's Euro 2008 website, breaks down how these two nations match up:

GOALKEEPING Spain's Iker Casillas has been sensational at this tournament. The Real Madrid star has conceded just three goals and is coming off of back-to-back shutouts against Italy and Russia in the knockout stage. Casillas made some crucial saves against the Italians in the quarterfinals (including two in the penalty shootout) and has looked completely at ease between the posts. Germany's Jens Lehmann, by contrast, has been less than convincing, especially against Turkey in the semifinals when he gave up an easy goal. The former Arsenal star is too error-prone and is not in the same league as Casillas, who is considered among the best goalkeepers in the world. Advantage: Spain

DEFENCE Spain's defence doesn't get the attention it deserves. Captain Carlos Puyol and his defensive cohorts have been solid (Spain's goal has been breeched just three times at this tournament), and Sergio Ramos is coming on a man-of-the-match performance against Russia in the semifinals. The German defence, led by Philipp Lahm and Christoph Metzelder, has looked suspect at times and shown lapses in concentration at key moments in games. With six goals conceded, including a pair in each of their last two games, the German defence just doesn't match up against Spain's. Advantage: Spain

MIDFIELD Both sides boast plenty of midfield depth with a variety of world-class attacking players (Michael Ballack and Bastian Schweinsteiger for Germany, Andreas Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez for Spain). Marcos Senna, Spain's defensive midfielder has been outstanding while Thomas Hitzlsperger has been just as effective for Germany. Should any of these stars get injured, both coaches can call upon players on the bench who can take over without their teams losing a step — it says a lot that Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas isn't even a starter for Spain. Advantage: Even

ATTACK Spain leads the tournament in scoring, with 11 goals, while Germany is second, with 10. David Villa, the competition's top scorer, with four goals, likely won't play Sunday due to injury, but Spain has plenty of other offensive weapons, namely, Fernando Torres, Dani Guiza and David Silva. Spain's quick-tempo passing game has been awesome, and the team is also getting goals from its talented crop of midfielders. Forward Lukas Podolski has three goals for Germany, but he's not the only goal-scoring threat the Spanish have to worry about: Ballack, Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose all have scored two goals each. Advantage: Even

INTANGIBLES The Spanish have the edge in coaching (Luis Aragones is more experienced than Joachim Low), but the Germans have more experience on the field. The Spaniards are motivated to shed the under-achiever tag that has dogged them for so long (Spain hasn't won a major tournament since the 1964 European Championship) while the Germans will be shooting for a fourth European title. Germany hasn't been as sharp as Spain at this tournament, but it has still found a way to win. That could be the difference on Sunday. Advantage: Germany

PREDICTION I'm leery of going against the Germans, just because they always seem to find a way to win, to say nothing of the fact they have more experience than Spain. Germany started slow at this tournament but seems to have discovered its rhythm in the knockout stages. But I still think Spain will win. They've been the best team at this competition thus far, playing an up-tempo and attacking brand of soccer that has bee entertaining and effective. The Spaniards are brimming with confidence, and I don't see how the Germans can stop Spain's brilliant attack. Final score: 2-0 for Spain
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Euro 2008 Final: Spain vs Germany Preview

Saturday 28 Jun 2008
On Sunday evening, Spain will line up against Germany in what promises to be a mouth-watering Euro 2008 final in Vienna. In a match which will mark Spain's first major final in twenty-four years, Luis Arganones's side will be hoping to rewrite the history books and claim their second European trophy after a 44-year wait.

Buoyed by the recent twist in fortune which has seen La Furia Roja (the red fury) lay to rest ghosts of previous penalty shoot-out exits and advance to the final, Aragones will be looking to recall the spirit of the 1964-winning side to lead his nation to European glory in this year's final.


IS THIS THEIR YEAR? In head-to-heads, history slightly favours the Germans who have won eight of nineteen meetings, while Spain have claimed five wins. There have been six draws. The last meeting came fourteen years ago during the 1994 World Cup finals in the USA which ended 1-1, leaving this game even harder to predict.

Spain, thanks to their impressive form this year, may go into the game as narrow favourites. Their loss of David Villa through injury will certainly hand Germany a morale boost, but the Spaniards will still pose a very stern threat through Daniel Guiza, who has scored twice when coming off the bench so far in this tournament.

Tournament So Far...

Undoubtedly the talking point will be Spain's flair and strength in depth, but a more significant issue is the seeming end of infighting between rival Real Madrid and Barcelona players in the dressing room. This Spanish side seems a more complete unit and, although Aragones's decision to leave out Real talisman Raul sent shockwaves through Spain last month, it looks like a decision well made with a new generation of talents David Silva, Torres and Fabregas given greater freedom to express themselves on the field.

In comparison, opponents Germany demonstrated their efficiency as they reached their thirteenth major final despite a troubled campaign. It certainly hasn't been pretty to watch, but the Germans have shown grit and determination in each game to make it through to this final. Unapologetic towards critics which have labelled them boring and unattractive, the Germans will enter Sunday's final eager to prove their doubters wrong and claim their first major honour since winning this tournament in 1996.
source : www.4thegame.com

Euro 2008 Final: Spain vs. Germany

June 27th. 2008, 1:42pm

Euro 2008 comes to a close Sunday afternoon when Germany faces Spain. We’re liking what we’ve seen from energetic and high-octane Spain, but the safe pick is probably Germany. We’ll guess 2-1. Make sure to drop by in 48 hours to talk about the match. For some actual insight into the match, we turn to soccer correspondent, Tyler Duffy.

And so, out of Cinderella’s desiccated corpse crawl the prodigal Spanish and the dutiful Germans to titillate our taste buds with a spectacle of fantastic soccer in the Euro 2008 Final.

The match is not just a clash of soccer styles, but a veritable clash of cultures. The spritely aesthetic Spaniards against the prompt, mechanical Germans. The Spanish take a siesta at noon time. Germans work slightly less efficiently. Spaniards savor the smokey flavors of their chorizo. The Germans cram some wurst down their gullet and wash away the carnage with some Hefeweizen.

This final will have ESPN-prodded hype of epic proportions, and karmically end 0-0 on penalties. Fighting through the inflamed, commercial-crazed shrouds, here is how the sides stack up.

Forwards: The “Mannschaft” send Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski (Ger)–not to be confused with the piteous Lukas Podolski (Bayern)–into the fray. The two have combined for five goals in Germany’s five matches, and 69 scores in all competitions. Fernando Torres may be most wank-worthy talent on the field, but has yet to show it in Spanish red. Without Villa to diffuse the pressure, the German defense can take Torres away. Advantage: Germany

Midfield: The Germans have a renaissance man in Michael Ballack. He can menace opposing defenses. He can win an academy award. He can hack down opposing players with impunity. He’ll even serve as an extra referee free of charge. The Spanish, to combat him, have a harem of majestic ball handlers, and a solid holding man in Marcos Senna. The wildcard, as always, will be Schweinsteiger (Ger) who has the Midas touch about him of late. Advantage: Push

Defenders: The wings are equal, with both sides having an elite attacking fullback in Lahm and (Dave O’Brien’s favorite party boy) Sergio Rrrramos. The Germans are large and in charge in the middle with Metzelder and Mertesacker. The Spanish have to override Carles Puyol’s insanity. Spain also face two elite strikers to Germany’s one. Advantage: Germany

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. Looney Jens Lehmann singlehandedly sustained Turkey’s semifinal hopes. Advantage: Spain

Prediction: The Germans have a stable squad and a set recipe for success. Spain do not. Unlike Spain’s previous opponents, Germany can withstand pressure at the back and can exploit opportunities on the break efficiently through precise passing. The Spanish have impressed so far, but with tapas, not a potent paella. They have no clear plan of attack, a problem exacerbated by David Villa’s probable absence. Aragones has yet to use his two elite talents, Torres and Fabregas, sensibly. The Germans are better drilled, more experienced, and better equipped to handle the opposition. In a contentious final, that should prove decisive.
source : www.thebiglead.com

GERMANY VS SPAIN

Date: Sunday 29th June
Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna

Although we all can’t wait for the Euro 2008 Final to take place and get to see Germany and Spain really go at each other, the sad matter of the fact is that Euro 2008 is coming to a close and we will have to wait another 2 years before such another International spectacle will take place. At least we have the Premiership and what not starting in about a months time right?

But for now it is Vienna that is the centre of attention for the entire football world as Germany and Spain have the chance to lift Europe’s greatest prize and become European Champions for the year 2008 (and the four to follow).

Germany are the record winners of the European Championship with three Euro titles to their name with their last victory coming in 1996. Spain’s only major International tournament victory was in the European Championships way back in 1964 but they were also Runners-Up to France in 1984. Germany definitely have more experience in the Final but an International victory has been a long time coming for Spain and they will be determined not to let this great opportunity slip.

At Euro 2008 Spain have been by far the more impressive of the two nations and their only real stumble on the road to the Final (if you can call it that) was the 0-0 draw with Italy in the Quarter Finals. Germany have made the Final having not really done anything special apart from their opening match against Poland which makes you wonder just how they managed to come this far so if they are to beat this silky Spain side and claim the Euro crown they will have to do better on Sunday.

We will keep you updated with all the news in the build up to and during the Euro 2008 Final so don’t go away too far.
Source: www.lovefooty.net

Van Basten And Hiddink, The Hero And The Traitor

Thursday, June 26, 2008. The European Championship’s second semi-final is about to kick-off and in front of his bench a Dutch coach is carrying the tune of the national anthem. But hold on a minute – is it in Russian?
Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom Improbable or not, the Dutch people could well see this nightmare scenario materialize if Guus Hiddink manages to pull off another upset tonight in Basel and steer Russia past their – and his - national side.

The Oranje moved to the Swiss city on Friday morning so that they could get used to the new, Dutch-grown pitch of “St.Jakob-Park”. And they will be joined tonight by up to 100,000 compatriots, but Hiddink, a football icon in his homeland, does not mind if his team disappoint them all this evening.

A traitor in style

“I want to be the traitor of the year back home, because that will have meant we won the game,” joked the 61-year-old boss, who coached the Netherlands himself from 1994 to ‘98.

Hiddink, who previously said he relishes this rare challenge, has been criticised in his home country even prior to the game. “I don’t know the words to the Russian national anthem. But I like the melody, so I will mime along. If I’m going to be a traitor, I might as well do it properly.”

But seriously, Hiddink must know that knocking out the mighty Oranje will not be easy. “Yeah, I’m scared. I’m scared as hell. That’s why we have to attack them. If you are in a position where you keep dropping further and further back, then you get even more scared. The only way is to attack when possible,” he explained.

Russia’s football is in many ways similar to the Netherlands’. It has always been like that, and most certainly since Hiddink took over, just under two years ago.

Dutch brand

“The Russian team of recent has changed a lot, not just in the players, but also in the playing style. We have tried to install a kind of play like the Dutch brand, so that people can come and watch some attacking football,” he added. “We have taken some small steps, but now we are meeting a giant. The approach won’t be different, even though we’re playing against one of the best teams in the world, both physically and technically.”

Hiddink has also mentioned several times that difference in fatigue levels between the two sides may play its part. But he has certainly not mentioned the word ‘defeat’, as opposed to Van Basten.

Van Basten living the moment

“Losing would be very bitter. Nothing to do with Hiddink or Russia, it’s all the work to reach the quarter-final and lose,” said the Dutch trainer, who knows that every single match could be his last in charge, as he’s stepping down to take the helm at Ajax. “I realise that, so I’m enjoying every game.”

Believe it or not, Van Basten could not be here at all right now if Hiddink had not persuaded him to take up a coaching course following his retirement as a footballer. “He was not my reason to become a trainer, but when I thought about becoming one I watched him and spoke with him,” the Milan legend told euro2008.com. “He has a great history and a lot of experience as a coach, so it’s usual to watch good coaches. He’s a good example of that, but there are others I followed too.”

Good luck, Guus!

This will actually be the third time that the two will come up against each other, albeit their first official confrontation. “I wish him good luck. These are two teams who try to attack. We have the same ideas, so we’ll see who’s stronger,” said Van Basten, who would not confuse this clash with the final of 1988, when he netted that famous goal against the former USSR. “I am happy I scored a good goal, but that was a long time ago and it won’t help me against Russia.”
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