Spain

The Observers predicted a Spanish triumph

Emmanuel F24 — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:58:46 +0200

When answering a questionnaire before the competition, the Observers predicted Spain would win the Euro 2008. 60% of them named at least one finalist. History proved them right. Here are their comments before the opening game.

The best of Euro 2008

Emmanuel F24 — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:12:27 +0200

The Euro 2008 in 10 pictures. From England's absence to Spain's first victory since 1964, Franck Ribery's injury and France's disqualification, this championship had its moments. Here's our pick of the best.

Spain crowned European champion

Emmanuel F24 — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 23:07:13 +0200

Spain has won the Euro 2008 championship in Vienna, beating three-time champions Germany 1-0 in the final with a Fernando Torres goal. The team last won the championship in 1964. Luis Aragones became the only professional to have won an European cup as player and manager.

Scintillating Spain set for final showdown

Nandita F24 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:01:18 +0200

Spain qualified for the finals of the 2008 European Championship for the first time in 24 years after beating Russia 3-0. They meet Germany in Vienna on June 29 for the finals. Spanish striker David Villa is most likely to miss Sunday's match because of a thigh injury.

Return of the Spaniards

Nicolas F24 — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:50:46 +0200

It has been such a long time since Spain reached the semi-finals of the European Nations Championship. That last time was back in 1984. The tournament took place in France and Spain beat Denmark to get to the finals, where they lost against Michel Platini's Bleus.

Sunday's victory against Italy marks the return of the Spanish in the semi finals and lifts a 24-year-old curse that weighed heavily on an entire nation.

Spain set to test Azzurri defence

Nandita F24 — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:40:01 +0200

Spain faces world champions Italy in the tournament's last quarter-final showdown with its dangerous duo of David Villa and Fernando Torres.

The Spanish side have never beaten the Italians in a major tournament outside the Olympics.

While Spanish coach Luis Aragone's team have won all three matches in their group, Italy have dropped down into the last eight. They lost 3-0 to the Dutch in their first group match and scraped a 1-1 draw with Romania before beating 10-man France 2-0.

This evening's winner will face Russia in Wednesday's semi-final match.

Spain snatch last-gasp win over Sweden

Nandita F24 — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:02:54 +0200

Spanish striker David Villa's injury-time goal saw Spain beat Sweden 2-1 in Innsbruck to top Group D with six points. The victory all-but guaranteed Spain a place in the quarter-finals, though Sweden remain in the race with three points. The Spaniards took the lead in the 15th minute with a clever finish from striker Fernando Torres, before Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic produced the temporary equaliser in the 34th minute.

Swedes brace for Spanish onslaught

Nandita F24 — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:08:58 +0200

Spain faces Sweden in a crucial Group D match on Saturday. The winner will seal a spot in the quarter-finals. Both teams performed brilliantly in their opening matches: Spain thrashed Russia 4-1 while Sweden defeated defending champions Greece 2-0.

Villa scores 3 as Spain thrash Russia

Karine F24 — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:47:09 +0200

Spain thrashed Russia 4-1 thanks to a triple goal feat by David Villa (20th, 44th and 75th minute). The fourth goal was scored by “Cesc” Fabregas during extra time. Our Observer, Russian coach Valeriy Nepomnyaschiy, says that though the game was lost, Russia hasn’t lost its hopes.

'Even a draw against Spain would be great'

Nandita F24 — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:38:56 +0200

It’s hard to predict the result of this evening’s match between Spain and Russia. The Spaniards, among the favorites, have always failed to play convincingly in the final stages of the tournament. On the Russian side, the team isn’t used to playing at an international level but has an impressive line-up under Gus Hiddick.