Viva Espagna!

The European Championship ended in fitting style last night as Spain emerged worthy winners convincingly beating Germany by a goal to nil. "A one-nil annihilation" was how Mark Lawrenson described it and he was spot on.

Spain should have put the matter beyond doubt by notching a second and they might have got three of four if they had done that. As is was, one goal always looked enough and the Germans looked strangely lacking in confidence or conviction. I can only recall one half-chance for them in the whole game. Michale Ballack, a big match loser throughout his career had a look of resignation on his face at the end and I was sorry for him as he was close to my player of the tournament. That honour, however, I would give to Spain's Senna who was outstanding in the final and prominent in every Spanish performance. With half an eye closed, you could be forgiven for thinking you were watching a young Chrissy Powell in the middle and, whilst not tall, he reminded me of Patrick Veira in the way he bossed the midfield. He was the perfect foil for Iniesta and they gave licence to Fabregas to roam. Oh for a Senna /Iniesta pairing at the Valley!