EURO 2008 | 29.06.2008
Spain Win Euro 2008
After 44 years, Spain win their first major international tournament with a 1-0 victory over Germany at the Euro 2008 final. Fernando Torres scores the lone goal in a well-earned victory over coach Jogi Löw's Germany.
Spain are the new European champions after a more than deserved victory over Germany despite the narrow 1-0 scoreline. The man of the match before it had even begun was German captain Michael Ballack. A calf injury made his status doubtful but he started, offering some psychological support to the underdogs.
Once play commenced at Ernst Happel Stadion, though, Spain proved to be the better side despite the efforts of Ballack. Spanish striker and player of the match Fernando Torres gave the perennial underachievers Europe's silver cup with his first-half goal.
Good start, but disappointing the rest of the way
The match started off in good fashion for Germany. Lone striker Miroslav Klose and the midfield attacked deep in Spain’s end to disturb their strategy of ball-control soccer. But after the first ten minutes, and one good chance from Klose, Spain showed the class they’ve had all tournament.
When Spain began to take advantage of their technical superiority, it paid off quickly with high-percentage chances. Christoph Metzelder nearly scored an own goal for Germany. Torres headed against the post minutes later as lady luck was on Germany’s side. Till the 32nd minute.
That’s when Torres beat two defenders and Lehmann, lifting the ball up over the sliding keeper to put Spain in the lead.
Löw reacts at half
At the break, German coach Jogi Löw had to respond to the subpar play of his squad. He brought on Marcell Jansen for injured Philipp Lahm. Before the hour mark, Kevin Kuranyi came on for Thomas Hitzlsperger. And new life was breathed into the squad. Jansen fought to win balls. He crossed and Michael Ballack fired a warning shot against the Spanish, missing just wide past the left post. Spain keeper Iker Casillas had to intervene just moments later to clear a dangerous cross. A German steamroller seemed poised to turn the match around. The players sprinted for balls. They won more and more challenges at midfield.
But after those ten dicey minutes for Spain around the hour mark, they regrouped. Germany passing errors started piling up. Fatigue began to set in on the German side. Sergio Ramos and Andres Iniesta tested Lehmann from close range. Marcos Senna could have sealed the game in the 80th minute. Germany found no answers against Spain, who 44 years after their sole international title, win the European Championship. Congratulations to Spain for a deserved victory at the Euro 2008.
