I guess you can say that we saw the end of SPAIN’S PAIN.

Catchy ain’t it? Yes people, the 2008 UEFA European Football Championships have just ended with Spain winning it all to end 44 years of underachievement. They beat Germany 1-0, in Vienna last Sunday despite of Spain’s, as well as the tournament’s leading scorer, David Villa, playing with an injury.

In the end, Villa hurting was not a factor as it was Fernando Torres who was able to lead Spain to the title after scoring the game-winning goal in the 33rd minute. The German side, more specifically Michael Ballack, did everything that they could to even things up. Unfortunately for them, Spain simply held on.

Spain was coming into the Euro 2008 final as international heavyweights of football but can’t seem to win any major tournament whatsoever since 1964. Yes, Spaniards were regarded as big chokers when it comes to them playing on that pitch.

After beating Germany, they are no longer regarded as chokers but Euro 2008 champions. How about that eh?

Spain is a nation divided by their regions. Hell, lyrics of their national anthem was not even used for crying out loud. The Spanish side needed to win this tournament and after Fernando Torres did just that for them, Spain was united even for just a few minutes.

‘’Viva Espana'’ sang their fans before the sangria started flowing.

This was billed as a clash of Germany’s efficiency and power versus Spain’s fluidity and creativity which were on display as Russia were swept aside in the semi-finals. The Germans’ drive came from Michael Ballack, with the Chelsea midfielder passed fit despite carrying a calf injury on the eve of the final.

‘Against the odds we will win the trophy’, read one headline from a German newspaper on the day of the game and Ballack was seen as the key to their chances.

All they see now is the crazed look on Fernando Torres’ eyes, celebrating with the Spanish side and the Euro 2008 trophy.

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Euro 2008 Spain