On Sunday at Vienna’s picturesque Ernst Happel Stadion, Spain finally laid to rest a 44-year old jinx that until yesterday looked like never to be broken. Yet, Luis Aragones’ youthful side displayed a brand of football against three-time European champions Germany that had every football fan stand up and applaud the Spaniards’ deserved victory.
Spain completed the tournament unbeaten, winning all their games, including one on penalties against Italy. The final with Germany was expected to be a battle between the skills and tenacity of the Spaniards against the power play and determination of the Germans. But, undoubtedly, Joachim Lowe’s experienced side were brushed aside by the elegant passing game of the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Andreas Iniesta, David Silva, Fernando Torres and company. By their own standards in the knockout stage of the competition, the Germans were subdued in their tactics and were constantly under the threat from the Spanish attack led by an excellent Fernando Torres.
The tall Liverpool striker underlined his class by grabbing the winner in the 33rd minute in brilliant fashion. Latching on to a fine long ball from Xavi, Torres outwitted defender Phillip Lahm with his strength and pace and then cleverly lobbed the ball past a diving and hapless Jens Lehmann. Throughout the tournament Torres had played second-fiddle to star striker David Villa and somewhat disappointed the Spanish fans with his lack of goals but it must be admitted that with Villa’s absence from the final due to injury Torres took command of Spain’s attack and scripted a historic victory single-handedly.
Frankly, the Germans had no answer to Spain’s brilliant midfield led by the tireless Marcos Senna, David Silva and Cesc Fabregas. The Iberians underlined their supremacy over Michael Ballack and company by having thirteen shots on goal to Germany’s four and seven on target to Germany’s one. The scoreline was somewhat flattering for the Germans given the dominance of Spain, led by inspirational goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas, and in terms of chances created in front of Lehmann’s goal. Michael Ballack was not allowed to play his normal inspirational game given his pre-match injury.
With this victory at a major international tournament final, Spain has finally managed to erase a long history of international frustrations that made Spaniards and many around the world wonder how can a country that has produced famous clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona would go 44 years without any international success. Well, that his history now as the Henri Delaunei trophy heads to Madrid and with it heralds a new generation of international dominance led by the young guns of Iker Casillas, Fernando Torres, David Villa, David Silva and Cesc Fabregas.
VIVA ESPANA.
Via: Reuters
