THIS is the end - of Spain’s pain. That could have been a nice play on the classic Doors song on the night of June 29, 2008, in Vienna.
Coach Luis Aragones’ La Furia painted the town red, after edging Germany 1-0 in the final to end the nation’s decades of hurt as perennial under-achievers.
And this golden generation did it in a style that made the world tick.
THE PASS MASTERS
Aragones instilled ‘’tiki-taka’’ as the philosophy, a possession brand of football with their foundations based on the great Barcelona side of that time.
Spain flourished with an assortment of technically gifted players like Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and David Silva at the heart of a dream midfield.
This armada were ready to rock, and they showed their pedigree right away with an emphatic 4-1 opening win over Russia, featuring a hattrick by David Villa.
Spain were next tested by Sweden, needing a stoppage-time winner by Villa to edge a Zlatan Ibrahimovic-inspired side.
Completing a 100% record with a narrow 2-1 win over defending champions Greece, the Spaniards headed into a last-16 bruiser with Italy.
A beauty vs beast spectacle ensued, with the Spanish flair threatened by a defensive, pragmatic Italian side under Marcello Lippi.
Stifled and unable to score after 120 minutes, Spain prevailed 4-2 on penalties.
The tiki-taka artists were back in their element in the semi-final, sweeping aside a Russian team under Guus Hiddink 3-0.
In the final against Germany, Spain dictated the tempo by probing the Teutonic defence with enterprising passes throughout.
A first-half goal by Fernando Torres was enough to clinch the title as Spain finally tore their tag of chokers to shreds and ended their 44-year wait for a major international title.
Aragones would step down on a high note, as Vicente del Bosque took charge and led them to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST
Spain next achieved the unprecedented feat of securing three major titles in a row, conquering Euro 2012 in Poland-Ukraine.
But it wasn’t all cheers this time. Del Bosque’s men entered the tourney with the mindset of making history, not being crowd pleasers.
They started with a 1-1 draw with Italy, routed Ireland 4-0 before edging a tough-as-nails Croatian side 1-0 to reach the last eight. In the quarter-final against France, Del Bosque set tongues wagging with a revolutionary tactical move.
With Villa injured and Torres out of favour, the moustachioed strategist adopted a mind-boggling 4-6-0 formation, with Fabregas operating in a false No. 9 position.
The baffled French were left guessing who would eventually pop up to score, and the tricky plan worked with Alonso delivering a brace.
What were already a less entertaining Spanish side, became a bore in the semi-final against Portugal.
Criticised and even jeered for their over passing and possession, Spain had become a pain to watch. Goalless after two hours, their final ticket was booked only after a 4-2 shootout win.
The purists and romantics have now fallen in love with Cesare Prandelli’s Italy, who stunned favourites Germany 2-1 in the other semi-final.
After breaking their tradition of being overly defensive, the gutsy and adventurous Azzurri were tipped by many to unsettle the holders.
The Red Fury were fanned. A fired-up Spain came out with guns blazing at the get-go, giving the ambitious Italians little room to breathe.
David Silva headed Spain in front after 14 minutes, before defender Jordi Alba made it 2-0 four minutes before half-time.
With Italy almost throwing caution to the wind in a mad scramble to come back, the Spaniards turn punishers with Fernando Torres and Juan Mata completing a 4-0 rout in the 84th and 88th minutes.
Spain have saved the best for last, silencing their critics in great style to become the first nation to retain the Euros title.
And the satisfied smile on midfield general Xavi’s face said it all - tiki-taka still ticks all the boxes!
