Thousands of ecstatic Spanish fans danced and chanted " Viva Espana" in central Madrid as the country's first major international football trophy in 44 years sparked a nationwide fiesta. The capital was awash with the red and gold national colours, as the country celebrated the 1-0 UEFA EURO 2008 win over Germany in true Spanish style.
The deafening sounds of cheering, klaxons and firecrackers from the vast Plaza Colon, where thousands watched the match live from Vienna on giant television screens, mixed with those of car horns across the city. Many were wrapped in the Spanish flag, wore the red team shirts or red wigs, or had their faces painted red and gold.
Hundreds of police struggled to keep traffic moving as exuberant and intoxicated fans spilled out of the square onto the Paseo de Recoletos avenue, one of the city's main arteries and which leads to the Plaza Cibeles, where Real Madrid supporters traditionally hold their celebrations.
"We are the best, and now we're ready to win the World Cup," said Joaquin, 48, who had come with his family from the western city of Salamanca. "The team played well, they were united and concentrated," he said, naming Iker Casillas, Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas as the best players.
"It's so many years since we even got past the quarter-finals, and now we've won. I can't believe it," said Dani, 19, a student from Madrid who came with several friends.
"We are finally champions! Iker (Casillas) and Torres were the best," said Rocio, a young woman.
King Juan Carlos, who attended the match with Queen Sofia and Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, said the Spanish players "suffered, but in the end it was worth it.
"It has been very emotional," he told Spanish television channel Cuatro, after visiting the team in the locker room. "I am happy for the team, for the guys, for Spain," he said.
The excitement had mounted throughout the day as high-spirited fans partied in the Plaza Colon square hours ahead of kick-off amid soaring temperatures that reached 38 C (100 F).
Others crammed into bars or gathered at home, with the television audience predicted to surpass the record of 17 million, or an 84 percent market share, set during the semi-final against Russia.
Spain last lifted the UEFA European Championship in 1964 with victory over the former USSR in what was its only previous triumph at a major tournament. The country last reached the EURO final in 1984 when it lost to France.
A win against Italy last week ended what was seen as a "curse", in which Spain had lost three times on penalties in the quarter-finals of major competitions, and on the same date, June 22. In Thursday's semi-final, they demolished Russia 3-0.
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