Spain Wins Euro Cup 2008, Beats Germany 1-0 (VIDEO)

Big-game flops no more, Spain won the European Championship 1-0 over Germany on Sunday for its first major title in 44 years.

Fernando Torres scored in the 33rd minute and the Spaniards never backed down against such a formidable opponent. Their last significant title came in the 1964 Euros at home.

In beating a team that makes a habit of appearing in championship finals, the Spaniards put to rest a reputation for underachieving. Always loaded with talented players, Spain has spent four decades falling short of expectations.

That all changed at these Euros, where the Spaniards swept their first-round games, eliminated World Cup champion Italy in a penalty-kicks shootout in the quarterfinals, then routed Russia 3-0 in the semifinals.

Against the highly accomplished Germans, they weren't intimidated. They got the one goal they needed -- from a slumping striker, no less -- and set off chants of "ES-PANA," and "Ole, Ole Ole" at the final whistle.

Keep reading here.

Watch Spanish star Torres score the winning goal (keep watching for the slow-mo instant replay).

Comments

[GravitonX]

I was predicting 2-1, in favor of Spain. I'd seen the Spain v. Italy and v. Russian games and knew they'd win.

[leftoflennon]

Awesome match !!!

For once Espana didnt choke !

[thnkdffRnt]

it was a sweeet goal. Spain deserved this victory. As you can see if you watched the game, Spain outmatched Germany today. Cheers to spain--- 2010 is next!

[MagisterLudi]

1:0.... out matched?! hmmm maybe only in Madrid newspapers.

[Samnite]

Germany may have been the better team but today Spain won because of their play. While Germany had a slight advantage in possession Spain dominated in shots on goal and specifically those on target.

Lehman has nothing to be ashamed about. Torres played a brilliant shot and clearly deserved the result.

BTW, the Super Bowl crowd could take lessons from the EU on how to conduct a sporting event. Very classy!!!

[tyruler]

As a Turkey fan, TO SPAIN CONGRATULA­TIONS!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!

[moonejes]

The KING looks HAPPY! VIVA ESPANA Y EL REy!

[moonejes]

Viva ESPANA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cplKlyde]

Lehman badly misplayed the ball

[HatingTheGame]

Culture of love beat the machine! Metaphorically, there is hope in the world?

[soljifire]

you guy suck my home town should have win it



germany still the best

[gevan]

Uber alles--NICHT

[truthiness]

Nando! He ruled the first half, Spain ruled the game.

[MagisterLudi]

Scandal: Germany, the best European football team loses.... :-((

[soundfury]

Someone gave them good luck. The theme for Spain's team was "Podemos" translation: "We Can". Sound familiar? This Sunday morning the cover of Barcelona's most important paper "La Vanguardia" included "The Magazine" with this cover on it:

http://www.magazinedigital.com/

Check out cover on the top right. He graced the cover on the same day as this victory. "podemos" or "si podemos" - yes we can.

Torres/Casillas - We Are The Champions

[mono]

It was lopsided game. Turkey would have given a good fight.

[adzeman]

They couldn't.. they were stuffed.

[soundfury]

Did you watch all their games? They scored some brilliant goals in this Eurocup.

[flyrod]

Great game!

Torres!

[clumberfeet]

Great one minute and thirty-two seconds.

[HatingTheGame]

If all you care about is scoring (which is important), but to appreciate the beautiful game you have to appreciate the beauty in the game. Its like making love, scoring is only a part of it (albeit an important part). Basic difference between how Americans and others view sports.

Although its true, the US has more "successful" sports since it appeals to the slam, bam, thank you ma'am approach to sports (and other things no doubt).