Sublime Spain seal Euro 2012

Spain have celebrated their third major trophy in a row after winning the world cup two years ago and Euro 2008
Spain have celebrated their third major trophy in a row after winning the world cup two years ago and Euro 2008
 
 

Monday, 02, Jul 2012 09:37

By Mark Fordham

Spain made history last night (July 1st) as they ruthlessly cast aside a tired looking Italy 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012.

Vicente de Bosque's team became the first to win three major championships in a row after their success at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2008.

Spain came into the game under fire for supposedly being boring but they set about their task of dismantling the spirited Italians who had surprisingly made it to the final.

Three games in just a week seemed to take its toll on Cesare Prandelli's charges as Spain overran them in the final third.

Manchester City's David Silva gave them the lead after just 14 minutes when Cesc Fabregas outflanked Giorgio Chiellini and then pulled back for the diminutive winger to head home.

Italy's response was strong but short-lived as Barcelona's new recruit Jordi Alba expertly finished off Xavi's sublime through ball.

There was time for the much-maligned Fernando Torres to come off the bench to score one and set another up for Chelsea team-mate Juan Mata - a move that won him the Golden Boot by virtue of playing less minutes than Mario Gomez.