No fairy tale but surprises, sparkles at Euro 2008
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-07-01 11:20

VIENNA - Fernando Torres' goal gave Spain a deserved 1-0 win over Germany and the much-coveted European Championship trophy, their first-ever major silverware in 44 years, ending a three-week buzz with no Greece-alike fairy tale but never short of surprises and glamour.


Spain's Fernando Torres holds up the Euro 2008 trophy on the top of a bus after arriving at Madrid's Barajas airport June 30, 2008. [Agencies] 

Rain remained the theme for most of the tournament but was unable to dampen players' enthusiasm for glory.

Open and positive games were played and goals flourished to woo the fans from Europe and all around the world.

Organizers also earned credits for ensuring the tournament's smooth development and creating a peaceful atmosphere both in the stadiums and fan zones, with minor skirmishes overwhelmed by sheer joy and enjoyment.

The only goal of the final match seemed anti-climax but the process was equally entertaining as Spain were the more dangerous side throughout and Torres' pace, perseverance and unerring finish in the 33rd minute ended their long wait.

Spaniards pocketed two other mouthwatering titles with the top scorer honor going to David Villa, missing the final due to injury though, and their midfielder Xavi Hernandez crowning the Player of the Tournament after his stirring displays aided his nation to the title.

Villa, 26, scored an overall four goals, one less than Czech Milan Baros four years ago in Portugal.

The Valencia striker had a hat trick in Spain's 4-1 opening victory over Russia, and added his fourth goal in injury time as Spain beat Sweden 2-1 in the next match.

"Many people will look at this Spain team because it has been a model for playing football. I think all football lovers want people to make good combinations, to get into the penalty area and to score goals." said Spain's coach Luis Aragones after the final.

Not only Spain, the most prolific scorers of Euro 2008 with twelve from their six outings, but the whole tournament will be remembered as a role model of attacking football.

Thirty-one matches played have produced 77 goals including four penalties but not a single own goal, resulting from about 900 shots.

Spain finally shed its underachiever label in a splendid style but the biggest surprise came from Russia and Turkey, both making it to the last four as outsiders.

Guss Hiddink used his well-known magic to build up a pleasing Russia's game, which was considered more like total football than his native Netherlands and captured many neutral fans' hearts.

When they lose, they lose big as well. They lost twice, both to Spain. The opening 4-1 defeat pressured them to the limit of group elimination and they were hammered again 0-3 in the semifinal when the expectation ran high after their Netherlands slaughter.

As Hiddink declared, however, they have made the history and showed the world a big nation's revival.

Turks were even closer to emulate Greece's feast in 2004 but failed to fight back in dying minutes, as they had done in three successive matches, in the 3-2 Germany semifinal defeat.

But surely a never-say-die reputation has made them a force which can not be ignored at any time.

Death Group proved an ill omen as the four Group C sides were all dead by the quarterfinals when Marco van Basten's Netherlands, having looked brilliant with stylish wins over Italy and France in the group stage, were knocked out by Russia.

Age really matters as world champions and runners-up, two of the "oldest" Euro 2008 teams, all exit in pain.

The second oldest side Italy, with an average age of 29.17, bowed out after losing 4-2 to Spain on penalties in the quarterfinal and French, 28 in average, exit before the knockout fixtures.

And the same with players. Those over thirties seem struggling on international arena and it is the post-80s generation such as Villa and Russia's talisman Andrei Arshavin, who stole the limelight at the center stage.

Boosted by this year's success, UEFA's executive committee is likely to vote to expand the competition to 24 teams in September.

It will also decide whether the next event in 2012 will be staged in Ukraine and Poland as planned, or be moved elsewhere because of myriad problems in Kiev and Warsaw.

But one thing for sure - the Euro 2008 legacy of beautiful and peaceful play will make no easy job for hosts in the future.