Spain Defends Euro Cup Title, Crushes Italy 4-0
In the final match of the Euro Cup tournament played at Olympic stadium in Kiev, Spain crushed Italy 4-0 to win the European championship. Spain's win has also set up a record of the biggest victory margin in World Cup or Euro Cup final history.
It's the first time that the Euro Cup title has been defended successfully by a team. Spain has also created history by winning 3 major tournament in a row after winning Euro Cup in 2008 and two years later winning the 2010 FIFA world cup held in South Africa. Spain (1964, 2008, 2012) has also equaled the record of three Euro Cup wins along with Germany (1972, 1980, 1996).
Spain was in the driver's seat right from the 14 minute mark, when David Silva scored a goal. Then, with 4 minutes left in the half, Jordi Alba increased Spain's lead to 2-0. This was the first International goal for Alba in 10 appearances.
The lead increased to 3-0 with Fernando Torres scoring in the 84th minute of the match. This was the third goal for Torres in the tournament, putting him among the top goal scorer of the tournament along with 5 others. And with two minutes left for the final whistle, Juan Mata scored the fourth goal for Spain in the 88th minute of the match.
Juan Mata's goal also broke the record of biggest victory margin in Euro finals, made by West Germany with their 3-0 win over the Soviet Union in the finals of the 1972 Euro Cup held in Belgium.
As soon as the final whistle of the match blew, a wave of celebration erupted not only in Kiev but also in Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Prince Felipe, present at the Olympic Stadium, congratulated the players and the Spanish football fans worldwide. Spain's victory also gave their countrymen an opportunity to rejoice at a time when the nation is going through a prolonged, deep economic crisis.
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