Torres the hero as Spanish crowned European champions
Monday, 30 Jun 2008 08:53
Fernando Torres (centre, with trophy) helped Spain quash their reputation as serial underachievers
Fernando Torres struck the winner as Spain beat Germany 1-0 to be crowned Euro 2008 champions in Vienna.
The
Liverpool striker converted a half-chance on the half hour mark to give the Spanish their first tournament triumph since 1964.
It marks a forgettable year for
Chelsea's Michael Ballack, who shook off a calf injury to start for Germany, as he finishers a runner-up in the Premier League, Champions League, Carling Cup, and now Euro 2008.
In a lively opening, Miroslav Klose nearly punished a nervy Spain defence but was denied by a last-ditch challenge from Carlos Puyol.
That sparked Luis Aragones' men into action with Xavi threading a pass through to Andres Iniesta whose drive was palmed away by Jens Lehmann, while Torres planted a header against the post minutes later from Sergio Ramos' cross.
Joachim Low's side felt they should have been awarded a penalty on 32 minutes when the ball bounced and hit Joan Capdevila's arm but referee Roberto Rosetti waved play on.
And the Euro 1996 winners were left seething a minute later when they fell behind after Torres outpaced Philip Lahm and dinked the ball over Lehmann to make it 1-0.
With the Germans unable to grab an equaliser before half-time, Low brought on Marcell Jansen in search of a creative spark.
But it was Aragones' men who carved out the better chances with their deadly counter-attacking game. Xavi and David Silva failed to find the target with long-range efforts, while Lehmann denied Torres by coming off his line.
Substitute Jansen nearly set-up the equaliser on 57 minutes after a mistake by Puyol but Ballack fired his volley wide.
Iker Casillas then made his first meaningful save of the night by palming away a cross as substitute Kevin Kuranyi was ready to pounce.
In contrast Lehmann kept his side in the game with a fine stop to keep out Ramos' header and then saved a flick at the near post from Barcelona midfielder Iniesta.
The Germans looked exhausted in the closing stages as Spain continued to create the better chances. Daniel Guiza headed the ball across goal with Mark Senna inches away from making contact on 81 minutes.
Low's men were unable to grab a late winner as Spain held on to clinch victory and cap off an outstanding tournament.