Euro Champions 2008, Spain!
Personally even though I'd say they would win, I had my doubts. One of the most prominent under achievers ( this would only be their 2nd euro championship and after 44 years) , so many quarter final exits and Italy stood in their way as well. Spain faced everything thrown at them from the Russian flair, Italy's mightily boring football and Germany's direct approach and came out on top. It's nice to see aesthetic football triumphing for once ( after Greece's shocking win last tournament which was probably a mistake anyway).
This Spanish team has the team spirit that has been lacking in the past. All credit should be given to the coach, Aragones. Leaving Raul behind was a masterpiece ( with Torres,Villa and Guiza available, who needs him?) and he has fostered a belief within the team. His faith in players has also been rewarded. Sticking with almost the same players for every match even when players like Iniesta wasn't at his best proved somewhat decisive. Having wonderful subs like Fabregas, Xabi Alonso, Guiza and so on on the bench helped. Players were kept fresh and with team spirit, they really didn't mind being substituted all that much. Germany on the other hand kept tinkering and it seems they have yet to find their rhythm even after the finals. Loew did an impressive but somewhat lucky job of getting them there.
Players of the tournament would include Casillas, Villa, Shwiestienger(however you spell it) and Senna. Fabregas and Van persie made the most impact from the bench. Players like Asharvin would be noted and probably move to a bigger club.
That said, this has been one of the better tournaments and somewhat changed my views on international football. Drama( France knocked out so pathetically , Dutch's shocked defeat against Russia ) , dramatic stoppage time wins by Turkey and Germany and so on. Hopefully World Cup 2010 would be as great!
