If there was any remaining doubt about which team is the best in the world, least of all Europe, Spain erased those by posting the most convincing victory in European Championship Final history on Sunday.
First-half goals from David Silva and Jordi Alba put the Spaniards in control, and second-half substitutes Fernando Torres and Juan Mata provided late scores against a short-handed Italy side as Spain rolled to a 4-0 victory over Italy in Sunday's Euro final.
Criticized in some circles as having been too boring during the Euro 2012 tournament, Spain flexed their attacking muscle on Sunday, dominating an Italy side that came in looking like a capable adversary. Much like Spain's previous opponents, Italy could do little to stop Spain's precision passing game, or neutralize the playmakers in red, with Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Silva looking sharp all day. Italy enjoyed more possession against Spain than previous opponents, but could do little with that possession.
Silva opened the scoring by heading home a Cesc Fabregas cross, then Alba made it 2-0 with a beautiful run and finish off a perfect pass from Xavi.
Italy had some looks in the second half, with Antonio DiNatale being denied by Iker Casillas on one look, and that's as close as the "Azzurri" came.
The defeat was a brutal one for an Italy side that impressed and surprised on their way to the final. On Sunday, the 'Azzurri' couldn't cope with Spain's attack, and then suffered some bad luck in the second half when the team's final substitute, Thiago Motta, was forced to leave the match in the 64th minute, forcing Italy to finish the match a man down. Luck was not on Italy's side on Sunday, with the team forced to replace injured defensive standout Giorgio Chiellini in the first half.
What did you think of Spain's performance on Sunday? With three straight major tournament victories (two Euros and the 2010 World Cup), do you think this Spain team is the best team in history? Looking forward to seeing Italy build on this impressive tournament?
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