Viva España! The Conquistadors return

Today, Sunday June 29, at 2:45 eastern time Germany will face off against a beloved Spain side that has waited a long time for its rightful place atop the European soccer world.

Will it be so, for a country which has choked time and again in international soccer competition, but which now finds itself in the UEFA Euro 2008 final?

They advanced by beating Russia, Sweden and Greece in Group D, prevailing over the reigning World Cup champions Italia in a quarter final shootout, and then shutting out Russia 3-0 in Thursday's semi-final match.

Espana has certainly surprised by doing so well, but are they up to the giant task of beating Germany to claim the title of European Champions.

They have not captured such a championship since 1964 and had had a run of 5 quarter-final defeats in recent years in world cups and European finals. Their fortunes are further compromised by the loss of arguably their best player, David Villa, who will not be able to play in the final against Germany due to a pull in his leg that occurred while taking a free kick against Russia.

Nonetheless the Spaniards have plenty of fire-power in their amazing strikers, and tons of confidence in their spectacular goalie, Casillas.

After the semi-final win against Russia, cars were seen on the streets of Chomedey, with horn-honking, flag-waving fans screaming Viva España in support of the Spaniards and in celebration of this precious moment in Spanish soccer history.

We look forward to today's final against Germany, with our hearts beating wildly for our Spanish heroes to win it all. Viva España!

Photo:Spain

(Photo:Courtesy of Dannelle Buenacasa)