¡VIVA ESPAÑA!

[[photo from Tiscali]]

After 44 persevering years, Spain finally did it. Curse after curse was broken in this year's Euro Cup, and España brilliantly shined against the other European nations competing for the prestigious prize.

Despite having many skeptics doubting their success this year, they have put all the haters to shame in winning Euro 2008!

At first I was extremely worried. Sure, they did very well in the group stages, winning all the matches. But I didn't want a repeat of tournament's past, with only progressing til the quarterfinals. And so, after a horribly frustrating match against Italy, my little Spanish fires won on PKs (And those amazing saves by Iker Casillas as well!!!). Then in the semis, I did have the same optimism as I did in the group stages, for Russia had just KO Holland, another strong team, in the quarterfinals. But alas, in Russia and Spain's second meet-up there was another 3-point margin to the Spaniards.

And here we are, Spain the new European champions, beating three-time champions Germany! After years and years of not being good enough, their actual talent and sportsmanship reigned supreme. Never have I seen a national team with such good hearts and wonderful teamwork. No one ever fought for the glory of scoring a European goal, all they fought for was the possession of the ball against the opponents. With an amazing midfield consisting of Fabregas and Senna, opportunities for goals were immense. Not to mention, David Villa won the Golden Boot of the tournament, scoring the most goals of Euro 2008, with four fantastic goals including a hattrick and a late match winner in the group stages.

So where does La Furia Roja go from here? Well, I suppose they'll continue their victory celebration sans clothing (Iker in undies, yes please!!) But this only gets me even more excited to see their talent and determination in the next World Cup in 2010. South Africa, here they come! La Selección is ready to take the rest of the world on!