FERNANDO TORRES was the hero for Spain by firing them to Euro 2008 glory against Germany in Vienna – and ending 44 years of underachievement. Torres struck in the 33rd minute at Ernst Happel Stadion and despite the efforts of Germany skipper Michael Ballack, they held on to their lead to spark wild celebrations in Austria’s capital. Heavyweights in European football who produce a constant stream of individual talents, Spain had not won a major tournament since 1964 but finally shook off their tag of being chokers, not able to cope with the pressure of the highest stage. They have also been perceived as a nation divided by their regions – the lyrics to their national anthem are not used – but full-back Sergio Ramos had kept mentioning the word "united" this week, and when Torres secured the Henri Delaunay for them they were just that. Just shy of his 70th birthday, Luis Aragones will now leave his post as coach, probably for Turkish side Fenerbahce, as a champion. Vicente del Bosque has been tipped to take over and he will inherit a young squad who have their sights on the World Cup. While Portugal appeared destabilised by Chelsea announcing Luiz Felipe Scolari as their new coach during these finals, there were no signs of the same happening to Spain following Fenerbahce’s statement revealing Aragones as their new manager on the eve of their semi-final. They finish as the tournament’s top goalscorers, helped by Torres who took the Premier League by storm with 33 rookie goals for Liverpool. He was not on the top of his game for the whole of the tournament, but the 24-year-old stepped into the shoes of David Villa when Spain needed him. "Viva Espana" sang their fans before the sangria started flowing. This was billed as a clash of Germany’s efficiency and power versus Spain’s fluidity and creativity which were on display as Russia were swept aside in the semi-finals. Germany’s drive came from Ballack, with the Chelsea midfielder passed fit despite carrying a calf injury on the eve of the final. "Against the odds we will win the trophy", read one headline from a German newspaper on the day of the game – and Ballack was seen as the key to their chances. They had been inconsistent in the group stages, then stuttered past Turkey after outmuscling Portugal. Only Ballack’s level of performance had been high throughout all of it but he ends the tournament a "nearly man" again. Six years ago he missed the World Cup final through suspension just after Bayer Leverkusen missed a trio of chances for silverware. This season Manchester United pipped him to the Premier League and Champions League – and he finds himself the bridesmaid once more. Facing Ballack was a Barcelona-bred wall of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas in midfield, with Arsenal’s youngster getting his chance following Villa’s injury. But before they were allowed to impose themselves on the game, Germany had already wasted two early chances. | 
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