“Spain Conquers Europe” were today’s headlines in many Spanish newspapers, while Germany had to settle for the loser medal. After a three weeks tournament, the Spanish national soccer team proved to be the revelation of the season. While the Germans played their usual stereotype football underestimating their adversary as usual, the Spanish team showed class, style and flair all the way.

The UEFA 2008 final yesterday crowned a dream of 44 years – Spain had own its previous European title in 1964 and hadn’t been in the quarter finals of any tournament in 24 years.

A team with more victories and obviously more fans, Germany managed to disappoint again, as it did in the FIFA 2006 when they had the lowest goal average since 1990 and they lost the semifinals against Italy with 0:2. Back then Joachim Low promised:

“We want to have a successful qualifying campaign, and our overall goal is to become European champions.”

Today most of Germany’s newspapers saluted Spain’s victory in an elegant manner, with words that remind us of the very meaning of respect and fair play:

Spain were just the better side but we are still proud of you. The summer fairytale of 2008 is over. Unfortunately there was no happy end for us. Congratulations to Spain – you really earned it. Bildzeitung, Germany

Spain are European champions. They really were the better team. But heads up Germany. The Spaniards’ victory was deserved. They were the technically better team and had many more clear goal chances. Spain are worthy European champions, who won all six of their games at the tournament. Germany were a real team that never gave up, but they also showed their bad side, and that was not enough football-wise for the title. Express, Germany

The dream is over. Germany lost the final in Vienna against a superb Spanish team. Kicker, Germany