| Germany coach Loew proud in defeat German coach Joachim Loew professed his admiration for his side, who defied expectations to reach the final despite going down 1-0 to Spain in Vienna. "I have to compliment the team for what they have achieved over the past few weeks," said the 48-year-old. "It has been fantastic. The players are obviously disappointed, but they have every reason to hold their heads up high." |
| We are in shock, admits Lehmann Veteran German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann admitted his side were in shock after losing Sunday's Euro 2008 final as a first-half strike by Liverpool's Fernando Torres sealed Spain's 1-0 triumph. "The big disappointment will come still, we're under the initial shock at the moment," said the 38-year-old. "The problem is when you lose, you wonder your whole life did I do something wrong?. Conditionals are the losers' enemy, you ask yourself, should I have done this or would I have managed that. |
| Spain defeat Geramany 1-0 to win Euro 2008 Spain won their first major title since 1964 as they held on to defeat Germany 1-0 in the final of Euro 2008 on Sunday in Vienna. The only goal of the game resulted from a deft finish from Liverpool striker Fernando Torres who squirmed past Philipp Lahm and chipped Germany keeper Jens Lehmann on 33 minutes. Spain should have put the game to bed in the second half following a string of golden opportunities as Andres Iniesta and Marcos Senna squandered the best chances of a purple patch. |
| More disappointment for Ballack For German captain Michael Ballack it was more disappointment in a major tournament after his side slumped to a 1-0 defeat in the Euro final against Spain. "It is very sad to lose when one has come such a long way," said the 31-year-old, who missed the 2002 World Cup final because he was suspended and has also lost two Champions League finals. "All the team battled away. This tournament has come at the end of the season and physically it has been tough. However, today (Sunday) we have made too many errors." |
| Justice was done says goal hero Torres Fernando Torres who scored the winner against Germany to give Spain the European championship in Vienna on Sunday said their victory was fully justified. "For me, it's a dream come true. Victory in a Euro, is almost as big as a World Cup. I think that we have played very good football throughout the tournament and it was justice done when we won the final." Torres chipped Jens Lehmann for the only goal of the game on 33 minutes to give Spain their first major title since 1964. |
| Aragones slightly bitter, Fabregas fulfills dream For 69-year-old Spanish coach Luis Aragones there was a tinge of bitterness mixed with the moment of glory after Spain defeated Germany 1-0 to win Euro 2008. "We did things well, we won, period. I will not be staying on as coach because I have been given no possibility to," said Aragones. For Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas it was a dream come true. |
| Ballack's silverware heartache continues Having lost May's Champions League final with Chelsea, Michael Ballack again suffered silverware heartbreak on Sunday as Germany lost the Euro 2008 final 1-0 to Spain. After the Blues missed out to Manchester United in Moscow, Germany captain Ballack continues his dark run. In 2002, he was in the Bayer Leverkusen team which went down 2-1 to Real Madrid in the Champions League final as well as losing the German title and Cup while he was also on the losing Germany team at the 2002 World Cup after leading the team to the final. |
| Ballack set to start for Germany Germany captain Michael Ballack was rated almost certain to start Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Spain despite straining his right calf in training, German media reported from Vienna. A German football Federation statement said Saturday night that Ballack's "participation in the final is still to be decided. The decision on whether to play him will be taken just before kickoff." At a press conference Saturday evening coach Joachim Loew said he had "not given up all hope of being able to count on Ballack". |
| Aragones has shown us the way says Puyol Spain's key central defender Carlos Puyol, praised coach Luis Aragones for playing a huge role in getting the team to the final for the first time since 1984 and says thay want to win the title for their departing mentor. "He's shown us the way, and we're all with him. We've lived some difficult moments, he's been criticised, but that's only helped to strengthen us. "We've got one game left and if we win we'll be happy for the coach, he deserves it." |
| We'll beat Spain with or without Ballack, says Loew Germany coach Joachim Loew says he expects his side to beat Spain in Sunday night's Euro 2008 final in Vienna with or without their injured captain Michael Ballack. "I expect a win, of course, it's been a long, hard road and the tournament has taken up a lot of strength. But we will mobilise all our forces for the match to bring the trophy back to Germany. "The Spaniards have been the most constant team here. They have shown consistent levels of performance, they are flexible regarding their positioning and they are sure of the passes they make. |
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