There are few adjectives to describe the atmosphere in Vienna on the afternoon of June 29, 2008. For most soccer fans, it’s a dream to go to a World Cup Final or a UEFA Euro Final. Although I wasn’t able to be there in person, I couldn’t help but feel the passion of the game and the nervousness of the players and fans alike. In the tunnel before kickoff, players usually are congratulating each other and slapping high-fives with the opposition.
Not today.
As they walked down the tunnel toward the carnival that is the Euro 2008 Final, there were no glances of admiration, no smiles of joy, and no emotions whatsoever. Looks of businessmen brokering a deal that their livelihood depended on were scattered across the players’ faces. The enormity of this event and the importance of national pride seemed to have a hold on each and every athlete as they entered the field to enormous ovations.
It was old world football against the new regime. Experience against youth. Work ethic against talent. Whatever phrase could be used to analyze this matchup, the only thing that could be sure was that either Germany or Spain was going home champions of Europe.
Both team captains, Germany’s Michael Ballack and Spain’s Iker Casillas, joined the referees at midfield for the coin toss. As the two captains shook hands, with barely more than a quick glance at each other, I knew we were in for something special.
And special it was.
As expected, Spain controlled possession for the first 10 minutes, although both teams looked a little nervous. An errant back-pass from Sergio Ramos gifted Germany striker Miroslav Klose a great chance, but he couldn’t control the ball. The Germans seemed to think the right side of Spain’s lineup was a weakness, and they tried to exploit it at every opportunity. Sergio Ramos stepped up his game and quickly shut down the offensive attack by the German wingers.
Spain took the game to the Germans around the 20th minute as Fernando Torres headed a great cross from the right side of midfield off the post. It was almost 1-0 for Spain except for the bad-luck bounce for Torres. But he didn’t have to wait much longer to put Spain in front.
Torres made his run up the middle, in the 33rd minute, and was fed a great through ball from central midfield. Germany defender Phillip Lahm had good position, but Torres just wanted the ball more. He blew by Lahm as if the defender was standing still and chipped the ball over goalkeeper Jens Lehman to put Spain in front. The Spanish contingent yelled cheers of joy, as chants of El Nino (Torres’ nickname in Spain) could be heard throughout the stadium.
Classy finish from a world-class player.
Right before halftime, Ballack clashed heads with Spanish midfielder Marcos Senna. Ballack, battered and bloodied, ran off the field twice for treatment before the cut over his eye could be shut. As he re-entered the game, his team seemed rejuvenated. Seeing their captain beaten up, but returning to battle, gave the Germans new life. Germany, never known for giving up, pushed on and created several chances before halftime, but they couldn’t find the net as Ballack missed a volley wide.
As the second half began, Spain again took control of the ball possession and wouldn’t let the Germans get it back. Pressing for a second goal, Spanish midfielder Xavi Hernandez sent a laser on goal that Lehman batted away to safety. A few seconds later, Spanish midfielder David Silva sent in a left-footed rocket that went just wide. The Germans were breathing a bit easier as they just averted what would have surely put the game out of reach.
In the 65th minute, things got a bit heated as German midfielder Lukas Padolski got in the face of David Silva. Silva pushed his head toward Padolski as if to head-butt him, but he missed. The two had to be separated as the intensity level kicked up a notch.
A few minutes later, Sergio Ramos dove to head a cross toward goal, but Lehman was there to make the save. What a great chance for Spain to put the game away, and I’m sure Sergio Ramos wished he had that one over again.
In the 82nd minute, Spain winger Santi Cazorla sent in a cross that Danny Guiza headed over to Senna who missed an empty net! Another rued chance for Spain as they tried to bury the Germans, not allowing them to get the ball back.
With only second left to play, and Spain leading 1-0, the Germans became desperate, fouling the Spaniards every chance they got in obvious frustration. Germany can do nothing but watch Spain melt the clock with their quick passing and ball control.
As the clock strikes 0:00, the Spanish players, coaches, and fans jump for joy. They have done it. Spain’s first major championship in 44 years. The long wait for silverware is over.
Fernando Torres is the hero of a nation in waiting, but they are not waiting any more.
“Viva España!!!“ was all that could be heard as the Red Fury joined the fans in celebration.
In the middle of the field, Michael Ballack stood stoically and watched Spain celebrating their well-deserved victory. His look was one of astonishment. Ballack had obviously dreamed of this moment his whole life. He looked on as if wanting to change places with the Spanish players celebrating in front of him. But his head wass still held high. As it should be.
The officials took a stroll toward the awards podium, and the players clapped for their efforts. The Germans then made their way past the Spanish to receive their second-place medals.
The Spanish applauded them out of respect as well. The Germans, always the sportsmen, accepted their medals with dignity. Although understandably disappointed, the country still stands united in their praise for their team.
The Spaniards then walked up to the podium to receive their winning medals. The last to make his way was the Spanish captain, Iker Casillas. He accepts his medal, walks in front of the players, and steps on top of the podium alongside the Euro Cup Trophy. Casillas raises the trophy high above his head as his fellow teammates join him in celebration.
Spain are champions of Europe.
Viva España!
This article appears in June 27 • 2008.