A proud moment for Spaniards everywhere

Fernando Torres was all fired up and ready to show his team, his country, and the world that he was ready to play, and to win. It was a surprise to many, that after having scored an outstanding 33 goals with Liverpool in the English Premier League, Torres had been pulled from the last two games that Spain played, but enough was enough for the 26 year old star midfielder.

After challenging Jens Lehmann, the German goalkeeper, time and time again, once hitting the post with a phenomenal header, his quickness and perseverance final paid off with a beautiful goal on a brilliant individual effort in the 33rd minute of the game. The goal was set up by Xavi Hernandez, who was voted the Euro Cup’s top player. The scoring drought was over, and Torres was mobbed by his joyful teammates.

Despite not playing in the final game, Spain’s David Villa finished the tournament as top scorer with 4 goals. Germany’s Lukas Podolski tied with Roman Pavlyuchenko of Russia, for second place with 3 goals,

Perhaps one of the most stirring moments of the day came after the game, as Iker Casillas, the first goalie-captain to lead his team to the Euro Cup final, lifted the Euro Cup in triumph, for all the world to see, in a fleeting expression of Spanish catharsis not seen since 1964, the last time Spain had captured any international championship of any significance – that year's Euro Cup.

As well, the 2008 Euro Cup marked the first time in 88 years that Spain had won a game of any significance against the Azzurri (quarter finals), a feat which should bode well for the Iberians in future clashes between these two magnificent giants of world soccer.

In the end, it was a proud moment for Spaniards everywhere.

"After 44 years we have finally conquered Europe," was the spirited and justifiable refrain that reverberated throughout the world.

Photo:AngEuro