One constant between the first week and the last, though, was the quality of Spain's play. They kicked off with a 4-1 rout of Russia and did not let up until the final whistle had blown on their victory against Germany in the final. Not only were Luis Aragonés's team playing with freedom and confidence, but also with a consistency that set them apart from their rivals. In turn the likes of David Villa, Iker Casillas, Marcos Senna and Cesc Fàbregas contributed match-winning displays. Tonight it was Fernando Torres who stepped up.
Playing alone up front in the absence of injured strike partner Villa, he seized his chance to take centre stage. Questions had been raised about his form coming into the game. He scored 23 Premier League goals for Liverpool FC last term, but a return of just one in five matches here had raised concern. Not, however, with Aragonés and there was no doubting his sharpness. First he took the aerial route, heading Sergio Ramos's cross on to the post, before the moment Spanish supporters had waited so long for finally arrived.
Platini connection
Xavi Hernández's pass into the right channel on 33 minutes looked more hopeful than threatening, but Torres outsprinted then outmuscled Philipp Lahm to get round the Germany left-back and to get to the ball before chipping over Jens Lehmann and into the net. Torres was only three months old when Spain last reached the final of a major tournament, the UEFA European Championship in 1984. Ironically, the man who broke Spanish hearts that day, Michel Platini, handed them the trophy this time. It was a link between the present and the past as Torres's goal brought long-awaited joy to a whole new generation of Spanish fans.
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