More considered thoughts to come, but for now, a quick question: What more could Spain possibly have done in this tournament? They went through Italy and Germany to win the title. They beat the breakthrough team of the tournament by three goals, then did it a second time. They stifled the breakout star of the tournament. They won all their games—something no European champion had done in over 20 years—and kept alive their 22-game winning streak. They produced the tournament’s top scorer. They went through the knockout stages without conceding a single goal, yet still played some of the most attractive football in the tournament.
If this isn’t the best team in Europe, what is? And is any other team in the world playing half as well right now?
by Brian Phillips · June 29, 2008
On top of all that, as Rece Davis slyly noted in his postmatch commentary, they overcame all their hexes: the June 22 curse, the superstition about the color yellow, the 1-0 hex, the inability to beat Italy—and more generally, their reputation as chokers, which currently seems to be plummeting down the side of a mountain in a car that’s also on fire.
The axiom in sports is “Speed Kills.” The Germans had no answer for the speed of the Spanish. The only German who could keep up with the pace of the game was Number 7 (I’m not even going to try to spell his name). Every other German looked slow and plodding against their opponents. Clearly the best team won.
Did anyone else notice that they played the theme to Pirates Of The Caribbean when Casillas lifted the trophy?
Just me then…
Well, when you put it like that. No. I can’t think of a football tournament where the winner had been as deserved. Leaves the palate clean for the next one.
Spain got their just reward, as Richard said. It certainly does leave the palate clean after Argentina’s premature exit from the last WC.
And yeah, what was up with those ghastly theme songs blasting out to drown the fans celebrations after goals and, apparently (I missed the trophy being lifted), at the finale?
I KNOW!! You win a tournament for the first time in 44 years and you have to listen to “Simply the Best”?
I don’t think many people would have noticed that Richard.lol.
As for the thing Spain “didn’t” accomplish,I don’t think there is anything they didn’t do.One striking thing is that they didn’t score a goal from the penalty.I just noticed this and thought it was absurd,although there haven’t been much penalties in the tournament which is a good thing.From a defender point of view as well as a striker point of view(curbs simulation).
The last commenter’s rather unfortunate screen name brings to mind another accomplishment of this side:
They managed to integrate players from Real Madrid and Barcelona better than any Spanish squad I can recall.
They also won without Raul.
And they managed to get rid of Aragones, which surely is a good thing in the greater scheme of things.
Viva Espana.
@Ursus,LOL@”unfortunate” screen name.
I think there were most players in Spain squad from Liverpool than a Spanish club.
We wouldn’t know how Raul would have played so that comment can only become a “discussion point” in people’s imagination.
That’s true, but given that neither Reina nor Arbeloa got off the bench in a meaningful match before they went up to collect their medals, they hardly count.
Whereas three of the Spaniards in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament happen to play for FC Barcelona (not to mention Barca youth product Cesc Fabregas).
I still would like to have seen Guti, at least, in the Spanish midfield but I think his chances of a recall went out completely once Raul was banished.
Hi Brian,
I dont think Blogger is so advanced as to allow them yet (or Im blissfully unaware of how to do them) so consider this a trackback, as Ive namedropped this article in my following post:
http://www.just-football.com/2008/07/spain-actually-won-euro-2008-how-why.html
Thanks
I agree Spain was absolutely the best team and they are currently the best team in Europe.
I called it months before the tournament started. Spain understood teamwork and their coach knew each players capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
Well done to them.
Soccer Playa