Is this the GREATEST team ever?
For so long the under-achievers of world football, Spain have re-written the record books by becoming the first nation to win three successive major tournaments. And now the debate begins about whether or not this is the greatest European side we have ever seen.
Watching Spain outclass Italy with a masterclass of breathtaking artistry, it was easy to get carried away with the eulogies for a delicious display that quite simply buried the Italians.
The mischievous pre-match suggestion by Arsene Wenger that Spain have turned their domination into a boring art form looked as ridiculous as it sounded as Vicente Del Bosque’s men confirmed their superiority with a swagger.
Euro 2012 has been a tournament to savour from the start with a succession of spectacular matches and performances. But the magnificent way Spain have won the tournament by passing their opponents off the pitch has been the stuff of legend.
Playing much of the tournament without a recognised striker did not stop Spain reigning with goals of the highest quality. Glorious first half strikes from David Silva and Jordi Alba flattened the Italians, then late goals from substitutes Fernando Torres and Juan Mata made it 4-0 to wrap up victory in style.
Until the Spaniards beat Germany 1-0 with a late goal from Torres to win Euro 2008, their only previous triumph was the 1964 European Championship. But since that priceless strike from Torres, Spain have added the 2010 World Cup to their collection and confirmed their pedigree by retaining the Euros in majestic style in Kiev.
