Spain ended their 44-year wait for international glory as they defeated Germany 1-0 in the final of Euro 2008 at Ernst Happel stadium.

Fernando Torres scored in the 33rd minute to secure Spain’s first piece of silverware since the 1964 European Championship.

Germany captain Michael Ballack gave the Germans a boost by playing, with doubts over his fitness as he had suffered a calf injury prior to the match.

Spain manager Luis Aragones also opted to start with Cesc Fabregas to replace striker David Villa, who was injured. David Villa ended the tournament as top scorer with four goals, and the first time since Marco Van Basten in 1988 did the top scorer of the tournament come from a nation who won the European Championship.

The Germans were lacklustre and it was Spain who settled after early nerves. Philip Lahm allowed Torres to squeeze past him to clip the ball over Lehmann for the winning goal, and he paid for it as he was replaced by Marcell Jansen. Germany did better in the second half, but found no way past the defensive marshalling of Puyol and Marchena.

Spain very nearly grabbed a second at the death, Senna close to rounding off a wonderful tournament. They did not need the second goal though, as referee Rosetti’s final whistle sparked wild celebrations and captain Casillas lifted the Euro 2008 trophy.