Lee taken all the way

World number one Lee Chong Wei survived a huge scare before booking his place in the last 16 of the men's Singles.
The top seed was taken to three games by Finn Ville Lang in a late-night thriller at Wembley Arena, but produced a strong finish to prevail 21-8 14-21 21-11.

Lee had been troubled in the build-up to London 2012 by an ankle injury and showed signs of rustiness as world number 45 Lang fought back in the second game.

Although the Malaysian eventually came through by winning 10 of the last 11 points, his performance will offer encouragement to his rivals, particularly reigning champion Lin Dan.

Lin, the Chinese superstar and second seed, looked in superb form as he brushed aside Ireland's Scott Evans earlier in the day.

Lee, who plans to retire after the Games, said: 'I am only mentally strong because I have had an injury and I am still not 100%.

'But I had nothing to lose and I just tried my best.'

Danish veteran Peter Gade, playing his fourth and last Olympics at the age of 35, started his latest bid for gold with an easy win over Portugal's Pedro Martins.

Watched by Crown Prince Frederik, the Sydney 2000 semi-finalist and fifth seed won 21-15 21-8.

The day's highest-profile casualty was Japan's eighth seed Kenichi Tago, who crashed out after a shock loss to Sri Lanka's Niluka Karunaratne.
The big guns in the women's Singles had no such trouble.

Chinese pair Wang Yihan and Wang Xin, seeds one and two respectively, both reached the last 16 with comfortable wins in a morning session.

Visitors in the afternoon were denied a potentially thrilling finish in a men's Doubles match between Thailand's Bodin Isara and Maneepong Jongjit and the Poles Adam Cwalina and Michal Logosz.

The Polish pair were trailing 17-15 in a deciding game when Logosz snapped an Achilles tendon landing awkwardly after jumping. He left the arena in a wheelchair and the Thais won by default.

The USA's 2005 world champions Howard Bach, 33, and Tony Gunawan, 37, announced their retirement after going down to a third successive loss in the men's Doubles, this time to Japan's Naoki Kawamae and Shoji Sato.

Republic of Korea's Lee Yong-dae saw his hopes of defending the Mixed Doubles title ended as he and new partner Ha Jung-eun lost 21-15 21-12 to Danes Thomas Laybourn and Kamilla Rytter Juhl.
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Lee taken all the way

Teenage star Meilutyte claims gold

Ruta Meilutyte has become Olympic Games champion at the age of 15 by claiming Lithuania's first Swimming medal with victory in the 100m Breaststroke.

The teenager made her intentions clear throughout the rounds, setting a new European record in the heats, and was fastest into the final.

Meilutyte led from start to finish and held off a fast-finishing Rebecca Soni, the Beijing silver medallist, to win in 1:05.55.

While the youngster's achievement was the highlight of the night for the crowd, who were clearly moved by what she had done, it was a thrilling night at the Aquatics Centre.

Yannick Agnel won his second, and France's third, gold in 24 hours when he led from start to finish to take the 200m Freestyle title in 1:43.14, the fastest ever in a textile suit.

Talking about France's success in the pool this week, Agnel said 'We are very pleased because it is a reward for several years of very hard work. It's pure happiness.'

Beijing silver medallist Park Tae Hwan and 400m Freestyle champion Sun Yang shared second, with world champion Ryan Lochte locked out in fourth.

Teenager Missy Franklin won her first individual medal when she took the 100m Backstroke title in 58.33, with her fellow American Matt Grevers setting a new Olympic record of 52.16 in the men's equivalent.

Asked about her win, Franklin said 'It's incredible. I dreamt about it all my life and I can't believe it happened at 17 (years old). I cannot put it into words, it's incredible. I still feel like I am in a dream and someone has to pinch me.'

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Teenage star Meilutyte claims gold

The Flame visits Brands Hatch as it travels to Guildford

On Day 63 of the Olympic Torch Relay, 140 Torchbearers will carry the Flame as it travels 105.24 miles from Maidstone to Guildford.

On its journey, the Flame will be carried around the track at Brands Hatch, Sevenoaks. The internationally-renowned motor racing circuit is the venue for the London 2012 Paralympic Road Cycling events.

Torchbearer highlights include David Boyle carrying the Flame in a rowing boat at Maidstone Rowing Club. David has been a member of the Salvation Army for many years and he also helps people in his community with personal counselling, assisting the lonely and aged and helping the jobless seek employment. David has also been a hospital radio presenter for several years. 

Olympian Roger Black will carry the Flame in Godalming. He was hugely popular during the fourteen years he represented Great Britain in international athletics and remains highly admired by many for overcoming several serious injuries and setbacks during his career.

Austin Playfoot, the last Torchbearer of the day, will light a celebration cauldron on stage at the evening celebration. Austin, 82, was a Torchbearer in 1948 and he helped launch the Torch design under the Olympic Rings in St Pancras International station in June 2011.

The evening celebration takes place at Stoke Park, Guildford and includes performances from Rizzle Kicks, dance duo Twist and Pulse and other dance acts.

The Flame will travel through the following communities on day 63: Maidstone, Gillingham, Chatham, Rochester, Higham, Gravesend, Brands Hatch, Borough Green, Seal, Sevenoaks, Riverhead, Godstone, Bletchingley, Redhill, Reigate, Dorking, Westcott, Shere, Chilworth, Godalming and Guildford.

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The Flame visits Brands Hatch as it travels to Guildford

Surrey gears up for the Games with giant Olympic Rings

A large set of Olympic Rings has been unveiled in Surrey, a week before the Olympic Cycling Road Races come to Box Hill.

The Olympic Rings have been installed on the side of the National Trust's Box Hill. Made of aluminium they are approximately 15m wide by 7m high and will be an exciting feature in the county for the duration of the Olympic Games. 

The Road Races take place on the 28 July and 29 July and spectators at Box Hill are set to get a fantastic view of the events.

Seb Coe, LOCOG Chair, said: 'The Olympic Rings are an iconic symbol, inspiring athletes and uniting people around the world.  These Rings will excite and inspire local people and visitors to Box Hill.'

Andy Wright, National Trust Countryside Manager for the Surrey Hills, added: 'We're so proud to showcase this special place to the world. For us the Rings are a symbol of what an amazing place Box Hill is, what an amazing journey it has been on over the past few years and what a fantastic legacy the Olympics will leave here, particularly for wildlife.'

Some areas of Box Hill are set aside for ticketed spectators only. If you're thinking of going to watch the Road Race and you don't have a ticket, read this advice and information
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Surrey gears up for the Games with giant Olympic Rings

Record field targets Shooting medals

A record number of athletes are set to take part in the London 2012 Shooting competition.

The day will begin with bells ringing across the UK, as quickly and loudly as possible, at 8.12am for three minutes. This is part of the London 2012 Festival commission 'All The Bells' by Turner Prize winning artist Martin Creed.

Anyone can take part by ringing any kind of bell for three minutes – from change ringing experts to enthusiastic children with hand bells, bicycle bells and doorbells.

The latest update of the free official London 2012 Join In mobile application allows anyone to play the Martin Creed bell sequence by tapping or shaking their phone like a hand bell. Find out more at www.london2012.com/mobileapps

Friday 27 July marks the final day of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. After being carried through the world's oldest hedge maze at Hampton Court Palace the Flame will board The Queen's Rowbarge 'Gloriana' where a ceremonial cauldron will be lit.

Over the course of the morning seven Torchbearers on board the Gloriana will light a Torch from the cauldron and carry the Flame for about eight minutes each.

The finale to the public participation in the Torch Relay will see the last Torchbearer on the Gloriana carry the Flame to Tower Bridge at approximately 12.45pm. The Flame will then remain out of view until it appears at the Opening Ceremony that evening.

The worldwide broadcast of Danny Boyle's 'Isles of Wonder' Olympic Opening Ceremony will commence at 9pm to an estimated audience of 1 billion people around the world.

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Record field targets Shooting medals

London welcomes the Olympic Flame

The Olympic Flame arrived in London in spectacular fashion this evening with the help of the Royal Navy's Commando Helicopter Force (CHF), in advance of its seven-day tour of the capital.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG), Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Lutfur Rahman, Mayor of Tower Hamlets and General the Lord Dannatt, Constable of the Tower of London, hosted a special welcome event at HM Tower of London to mark the Flame's arrival.

During its time in the capital, the Olympic Flame will be carried by 982 Torchbearers and travel around 200 miles of the capital's streets, taking in landmarks, community spaces and places to showcase London to the world.

First Torchbearers in the capital 

Dame Kelly Holmes, who won 800m and 1500m gold at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games wasthe first Torchbearer in the capital in recognition of her success as athlete, her sports coaching and mentoring programmes and her involvement in London's bid to host the Games. She carried the Olympic Flame from Tower Wharf up on to the ramparts of the Tower of London where she handed it to Abul Kasam, 30, a resident of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

London's moment to shine

Sebastian Coe, LOCOG Chair, said: "With the eyes of the world on London, we welcome the Olympic Flame to the capital this evening in spectacular style. The week ahead will see hundreds of inspiring people enjoying their moment to shine as they carry the Flame through the streets of every London Borough as the final countdown to the London 2012 Games begins."

Mayor of London Boris Johnson, said: "The breathtaking arrival of the Olympic Flame heralds the final countdown to what will be the greatest Games, in the greatest city on earth, during what is truly a summer like no other."

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London welcomes the Olympic Flame

One-off spectacle thrills crowds in London

A one-day performance of a dazzling, action-packed spectacular is underway today at iconic locations around London.

Streb Extreme Action performers will appear at landmarks around the city, taking spectators by surprise with their feats.

The performance – called 'Surprises: Streb' – is designed as a sudden explosion of human energy and art that appears out of the blue.

Choreographed by Streb founder Elizabeth Streb, the performance will show the human body being pushed to its limits through dare-devil feats of extreme athleticism.
 
For information about where to catch the event around the city, members of the public are invited to follow @SurprisesSTREB on Twitter or to check the Facebook page www.facebook.com/STREBSLAM

Surprises: Streb is one of several high-profile events being presented by the Mayor of London and the London 2012 Festival to celebrate the Games.
 
Ruth Mackenzie, Director of the London 2012 Festival, said: 'Elizabeth Streb's Surprises: Streb is a wonderful and inspiring element of the 12-week UK-wide festival celebrating the culmination of the Cultural Olympiad. We're in the middle of a truly amazing series of events.'
 
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'I am thrilled that we've been able to bring Elizabeth Streb's incredible dancers to the capital. The awe-inspiring jeopardy they will bring to our landmark buildings promises to be one of the most mind-blowing highlights of the year.' ◦

One-off spectacle thrills crowds in London

Team Welcome Ceremony Rehearsal in London

The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has released the official national anthems which will be played at Team Welcome and Victory Ceremonies throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The anthems will be played for the first time is at the Team Welcome Ceremonies which begin tomorrow, as athletes arrive to the Olympic and Paralympic Village.

Over 200 national anthems have been arranged by British composer, conductor and cellist Philip Sheppard and were recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. 36 musicians have spent 50 recording hours over 6 days to record the anthems which will now be played at over 100 Team Welcome Ceremonies and 805 Victory Ceremonies in the run up to and during the Games.

The Ceremonies have been created produced and choreographed by The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain (NYT) who will also perform the shows. As well as a performance by the NYT, the Team Welcome Ceremonies will also consist of protocol moments including the playing of the national anthems and raising of flags by members of the Armed Forces.

Seb Coe, LOCOG Chair, said: 'Teams from all over the world are coming to London and the Athletes' Village will become their home throughout the Games. The National Youth Theatre will ensure that the Team Welcome Ceremonies will provide the warmest welcome to London and help create an environment for them to prepare for what could be the greatest moment in their sporting careers.'

The official London 2012 national anthems will also be played at Victory Ceremonies where medal winning athletes can formally celebrate their success.

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Team Welcome Ceremony Rehearsal in London

Olympic Flame travels from Portsmouth to Brighton and Hove

Today the Olympic Flame will visit Cass Sculpture Park and Arundel Castle on its 94.70-mile journey from Portsmouth to Brighton and Hove.

The first Torchbearer of the day starting inside Fratton Park is John Jenkins, 92, who was nominated for his life-long support of Portsmouth Football Club.

Throughout the day the Flame will be carried by 131 Torchbearers, including Sally Gunnell and Robin Cousins.

Jason Saw, 42, from Brighton will carry the Flame into the grounds of Arundel Castle. Jason was nominated through the Lloyds TSB campaign for his leadership of a project which aims to tackle mental illness in the Brighton Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans community.

The last Torchbearer of the day is nursing sister Karen West, 60, from Worthing who will carry the Flame onto the stage for the evening celebration in Sussex County Cricket Club in Brighton and Hove.

The Flame will travel through the following communities: Portsmouth, Petersfield, Rogate, Midhurst, Easebourne, Tillington, Petworth, Duncton, Chicheser, North Bersted, South Bertsted, Bognor Regis, Woodgate, Westergate, Arundel, Worthing, Lancing, West Blatchington and Brighton and Hove.

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Olympic Flame travels from Portsmouth to Brighton and Hove

London prepares to welcome the Olympic Flame

The London 2012 Organising Committee today confirmed plans for the Olympic Flame's final journey down the River Thames on Friday 27 July, and revealed a selection of highlights for its seven-day journey around London.

Having visited over 1,000 communities around the UK and celebrated the achievements of over 7,000 Torchbearers to date, the Olympic Torch Relay – presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung – will see the Flame carried by 982 Torchbearers around 200 miles of the capital's streets, on the final leg of its journey.

The final day of the Relay – 27 July – will see 18 Torchbearers carry the Flame, seven of whom will travel with it down the River Thames on Gloriana, the royal barge.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: 'Thank you to everyone who has cheered on the Torchbearers right around the UK and helped to build the excitement towards the start of the Games. With eleven days to go until the Olympic Flame the lights the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony it is great to see London ready to welcome the Flame and set to celebrate inspiring people and amazing places in each and every Borough.'

Given the huge and enthusiastic crowds that have followed the Olympic Torch Relay on its journey around the UK, LOCOG and Transport for London (TfL) advised that the week when the Olympic Torch Relay is in London is expected to be exceptionally busy.

Londoners wishing to watch the Relay are advised to stay local and try to view the Flame when it passes through the area nearest to home or place of work. Travel updates and information can be found on the Get Ahead of the Games website

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London prepares to welcome the Olympic Flame

Olympic Flame to visit Seven Sisters Cliffs and Tonbridge Castle

Begining its journey at the pavilion Gardens, Brighton, 137 Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame during day 60 of the Olympic Torch Relay.

The first Torchbearer of the day will be Zachary Narvaez, 17 from Brighton and Hove. Zach was nominated for being an outstanding pupil at Dorothy Stringer School, setting up a charity to raise money for hospices and cancer research and is Chair of the school council.

Along the way, the Flame will take in the Seven Sisters Cliffs, with Beachy Head providing a spectacular coastal backdrop.

The Flame will also visit Tonbrodge Castle where double Olympic gold medallist, Dame Kelly Holmes, and Frank Verge, a Torchbearer in the 1948 Torch Relay, will carry it through the grounds of the Castle.

The day's Torchbearers will also include comedian Eddie Izzard, who has run an incredible 43 marathons, raising money to support people who live incredibly tough lives, and former stunt sportsman Eddie Kidd, who was injured during a stunt.

The Relay will travel through the following communities: Brighton and Hove, Crawley, Copthorne, Felbridge, East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough, Lewes, Eastbourne, Pevensey, Bexhill on Sea, St Leonards on Sea, Hastings.

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Olympic Flame to visit Seven Sisters Cliffs and Tonbridge Castle

Pakistan Score Card - 3rd Test Match (Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka)

Pakistan Score Card - 3rd Test Match (Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka)
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Pakistan Score Card - 3rd Test Match (Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka)

Misbah Greets Asad on His Century - Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka

Misbah Greets Asad on His Century - Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka
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Misbah Greets Asad on His Century - Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka

Happy Faces on the Declaring of the Inning - Pakistan Vs Srilanka

Happy Faces on the Declaring of the Inning - this is the picture taken on the last day of the 3rd test match between Pakistan Vs Srilanka, Pakistan declared the inning after Asad Shafiq's century, at the moment, situation is in the centre, pakistan has a massive lead of more than 250 runs, this is not an easy target for opponents to achieve in 5 hours, this match is going to be draw.
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Happy Faces on the Declaring of the Inning - Pakistan Vs Srilanka

Vicente del Bosque Takes the Acclaim After Collecting his Winners' Medal

Vicente del Bosque has become only the second coach to lead sides to glory at both the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup after Germany's Helmut Schön.

Vicente del Bosque has become only the second coach to lead sides to glory at both the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup following Spain's 4-0 UEFA EURO 2012 final victory against Italy in Kyiv.

Before Sunday the only trainer to get his hands on the Henri Delaunay Cup and FIFA World Cup Trophy was Helmut Schön, who guided West Germany to European and global glory in 1972 and 1974, respectively. Only Antonín Panenka's famous penalty for Czechoslovakia in the 1976 UEFA European Championship final denied Schön, and a side featuring the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier and Paul Breitner, a hat-trick.

Spain have now achieved that elusive treble while Del Bosque, who took the reins from Luis Aragonés after UEFA EURO 2008, has matched Schön's feat. He led La Roja to their maiden World Cup triumph in South Africa two summers ago, defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final to break Schön's record as the oldest winning coach. By stretching Spain's unbeaten run in competitive matches to 20 in Ukraine, the 61-year-old duly added the EURO.

Under Schön, West Germany also finished runners-up at the 1966 World Cup and 1976 UEFA European Championship. Two other coaches won continental crowns before falling at the final hurdle in the World Cup: Italy's Ferruccio Valcareggi lost to Brazil in 1970 two years after claiming the EURO and the Azzurri condemned Schön's West Germany successor Jupp Derwall to a similar fate in 1982. Del Bosque, who also won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid CF in 2001/02 (something Schön never managed), had no such problem.

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Vicente del Bosque Takes the Acclaim After Collecting his Winners' Medal

Spain Overpower Italy to Win UEFA EURO 2012 - 4-0 Victory in Kyiv

Spain 4-0 Italy
Vicente del Bosque's side saved their best until last at UEFA EURO 2012 as they overwhelmed an Italy outfit that ran out of steam.

Spain saved their best until last at UEFA EURO 2012, a final-record 4-0 victory in Kyiv completing an unprecedented hat-trick of major tournament wins.

Against a flagging Italy side whose thrilling knockout campaign looked to have caught up with them, Spain were in control from the moment David Silva broke the deadlock with a rare header on 14 minutes. A barnstorming second with half-time approaching from the indefatigable Jordi Alba, his first international goal, left the Azzurri with a mountain to climb. The sight of Thiago Motta, their third substitute, being carried off on a stretcher ended all hope, leaving Italy to play out the last 28 minutes with ten men – and Spain replacements Fernando Torres and Juan Mata fully capitalized.

This was billed as a meeting of great creative minds, of conductors in their prime, of Xavi Hernández against Andrea Pirlo; but for much of the opening stages it was a one-man show. Spain's No8 picked up the baton from the off, in harmony with Andrés Iniesta, dictating La Roja's now familiar staccato movement as Italy were forced deeper and deeper. The olés had already begun among the sizeable Spanish contingent in the 63,170 crowd when, just before the quarter-hour, the pair combined to such devastating effect.

Xavi, who had fired just over moments earlier, fed Iniesta and his finely weighted ball allowed Cesc Fàbregas to easily outstrip Giorgio Chiellini on the inside-right channel. There was still plenty to do but how easily Spain made it look as Fàbregas pulled a sharp ball back for Silva, all 170cm of him, to glance his header in. It proved a disappointed Chiellini's last real action as he soon succumbed to the thigh problem that has hampered him throughout his time in Poland and Ukraine.

A heavy-legged Italy could ill afford the double blow, but impressively they fought their way back into it. Pirlo, inevitably, was their driving force, the beating drum that pulled the strings at the back and sounded the horn to attack. Not that there was much of that. In fact, Pirlo's most telling contribution of the first half was a superb last-ditch block on Iniesta. Yet try as he might – and he did try – the 33-year-old could not be everywhere.

Spain's second was a little too easy, though. Standing on the touch line near halfway, Fàbregas headed Iker Casillas's clearance to Alba who turned the ball into Xavi before haring forward. The Azzurri back line did not seem to notice but the erudite Xavi did, advancing forward before slotting his new FC Barcelona club-mate in. The composed left-footed finish that followed would have pleased even David Villa, watching in the stands with Carles Puyol.

It seemed nothing could now deny Spain a first competitive victory against the Azzurri in 92 years – at least over 90 minutes – but Italy were not done yet. Antonio Di Natale, scorer in the 1-1 draw between these sides three weeks ago, came on for Antonio Cassano and within six minutes he could have scored twice. His first chance, a header, was far from simple but the striker could have done better when Riccardo Montolivo's pass found him in space. He snatched at the chance, though, and the advancing Casillas blocked.

Yet Italy's slender hopes of mounting a comeback disappeared when Thiago Motta did likewise down the tunnel. It was left for Xavi to resume his conducting, slowing things down until, with six minutes remaining, he upped the tempo for a rousing crescendo. First he robbed Pirlo in midfield and set up Torres for a goal to add to his UEFA EURO 2008 showpiece effort – a feat no one has managed before – then he combined with Torres to release Mata, just on, to set seal on an emphatic win. It has been an emphatic four years.

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Spain Overpower Italy to Win UEFA EURO 2012 - 4-0 Victory in Kyiv

Faultless Ramos the Star of Spain's Showcase - UEFA Cup Final Review

Sergio Ramos's flawless showing ensured the defender was the Castrol top performer as he helped Spain stride to an historic 4-0 victory against Italy in the UEFA EURO 2012 final.

Spain defender Sergio Ramos did not put a foot wrong as La Roja overwhelmed Italy 4-0 in Kyiv to complete an unprecedented hat-trick of major tournament wins. 

The 26-year-old defender has been integral to an exceptional Spain side that conceded just once en route to their title defence. It was business as usual as Vicente del Bosque's men earned their fifth straight clean sheet in Poland and Ukraine, and Ramos's contribution was acknowledged as he topped the Castrol EDGE Index with a score of 9.69.

Defensively, Ramos was faultless. He earned points for a valuable block on Andrea Barzagli's goal-bound effort; keeping an Italian attack – including an in-form Mario Balotelli – in check; and for ball recovery, regaining possession from Cesare Prandelli's side on no less than 15 occasions. 

The Real Madrid CF man's boundless energy, athleticism and determination ensured he was as potent in Italy's penalty area as he was protective in his own, and a good deal of his rating is for his attacking endeavour. He gave the Azzurri nightmares from set pieces and had four efforts on goal, including two on-target shots from close range, to crown an imperious performance.

Ramos headed a Spanish clean sweep. Marauding left-back Jordi Alba scored a fine goal to grab a 9.09 rating and finish second, while Iker Casillas came third on 9.07 to round off the top three.

Castrol EDGE Index: Spain v Italy
1. Sergio Ramos (ESP) 9.69
2. Jordi Alba (ESP) 9.09
3. Iker Casillas (ESP) 9.07
4. Xavi Hernández (ESP) 9.06
5. David Silva (ESP) 8.60

Key facts
1 – Spain are the first European side to win three consecutive major tournaments (UEFA EURO 2008, 2010 FIFA World Cup, UEFA EURO 2012).

2 – Vicente del Bosque has become only the second coach to win the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship (after Helmut Schön, who won in 1972 and 1974 with Germany).

3 – Spain have equaled Germany's record of three European Championship wins (1964, 2008, 2012).

4 – La Roja became the first team to score four goals in a EURO final.

9 – Iker Casillas equalled Edwin van der Sar's record for clean sheets at the EUROs, this match earning his ninth shutout in this competition.

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Faultless Ramos the Star of Spain's Showcase - UEFA Cup Final Review

Spanish Moon on the Boom - Winning Hatrik in UEFA Champions League

Part of a defense which conceded just one goal at UEFA EURO 2012, Spain center-back Sergio Ramos finished top of the Castrol EDGE Index after the holders' historic final win.

For the second successive UEFA European Championship, Spain provided the winner of the Castrol EDGE Index, Sergio Ramos taking the honour in 2012 following a historic night at Kyiv's Olympic Stadium.

The 26-year-old, who succeeds metronomic midfielder Xavi Hernández in topping the pile, climbed seven places to the summit courtesy of a display in which he was heavily involved at both ends of the field.

A cornerstone of the holders' impenetrable defense, the Real Madrid CF man finished just ahead of club-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who had led the standings since the end of the group stage. Gerard Piqué, Ramos' center-back partner, completes the podium; he is the second of seven Spain players in the top ten, including their entire rearguard.

Ramos was in the thick of the action from the off against the Azzurri, having two efforts on goal – one a free-kick, the other a header – in the first seven minutes and four overall, two of which were on target. At the other end, a block from Andrea Barzagli and his retrieval of possession on 15 occasions swelled his match rating to 9.69, the third highest for a game at UEFA EURO 2012.

Ramos, ever-present in La Roja's unprecedented third consecutive major tournament victory, was instrumental in Vicente del Bosque's team keeping five consecutive clean sheets in Poland and Ukraine. The fourth of those came in the semi-finals, when he helped shackle Ronaldo, whose three goals and tournament-record 15 shots on target were responsible for the bulk of his overall 9.61 mark.

Piqué, Ramos and full-backs Jordi Alba and Álvaro Arbeloa – sixth and seventh respectively – limited the opposition to just 21 shots in six matches. In addition to this, the indefatigable Alba owes his rise from 14th to his well-taken goal, his first at international level, in the final.

The holders are further represented by Xabi Alonso (fourth), Andrés Iniesta (fifth) and Sergio Busquets (ninth). Alonso was a model of consistency throughout with his passing, with only Xavi completing more than the Madrid midfielder's 490. Crucially, in Index terms, 251 of these were forward passes in opposition territory.

Pepe (eighth) and Claudio Marchisio, on the losing team in the showpiece, make up the top ten.

Tournament facts
1 – Goals conceded at UEFA EURO 2012 by Spain in 570 minutes of action.

2 – Vicente del Bosque is the second coach after Helmut Schön to win a FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.

5 – David Silva had a role in more goals at UEFA EURO 2012 than any other player (two goals, three assists).

189 – Minutes in which Fernando Torres scored his adidas Golden Boot-winning total of three goals.

531 – The tournament-high total of passes completed by Xavi Hernández, at an average of 89 per game.
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Spanish Moon on the Boom - Winning Hatrik in UEFA Champions League

Triumphant Spain Do It Their Way - Europa Champions League 2012 Final

From 'false' No9s to an outrageous penalty and an extraordinary defence, Spain's history-makers enjoyed another memorable tournament at UEFA EURO 2012. Graham Hunter looks back.

Spain completed a memorable tournament and made history when they lifted the Henri Delaunay Cup again on Sunday. Some great national sides have tilted at this achievement, and failed. Not only is this the first retention of a UEFA European Championship, it is the first three-in-a-row combination of world and continental titles. Not the West Germany or Brazil sides of the 1970s, nor the France of Zinédine Zidane – no group of players have endured like those who started winning under Luis Aragonés four years ago and have now sealed their status as all-time greats.

In a nutshell
Put simply, Spain found solutions. If you are robbed of David Villa, the most prolific striker in Spain's history, then goals have to become a problem. While the debate fizzed about a 'false' No9 versus an old-fashioned centre-forward, Vicente del Bosque, Cesc Fàbregas and Fernando Torres just got on with it. Italy were pegged back by the former Arsenal FC captain, Torres burst into life against the Republic of Ireland, and Fàbregas was pivotal against Croatia.

A rare Xabi Alonso double dealt with France but Fàbregas popped up with the winning penalty in the semi-final against Portugal before Torres's late cameo in the final earned him the adidas Golden Boot.

High point
Surely the Sergio Ramos-Iker Casillas double act against Portugal. One-nil down after Alonso's spot kick was saved, the man known as San Iker (Saint Iker) in his homeland saved one before Ramos chipped Rui Patrício in the most outrageous style imaginable. It was tide-turning, admirable and daring – hats off to Ramos.

Key man
What a hugely difficult task, but the winner has to be Del Bosque. He chose the double pivot style and stuck to it. He found solutions for the absence of David Villa and the slow return to form of Torres. Through all the difficulties he made substitutions which produced goals, he maintained a sense of humour and elegance and he deserves his place in the coaching pantheon.

Hope for the future
Jordi Alba, a novice on arrival, was superb and crowned off a wonderful tournament with a stunning goal in the final. What is more, there were very limited opportunities for reigning European Under-21 champions Juan Mata and Javi Martínez, though the Chelsea FC man came on and scored against Italy. Several of Luis Milla's U21 winners are knocking at the door of the senior squad but none of the elder statesmen seem particularly disposed to move on. The future looks bright.

Vital statistic
Since elimination from the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Spain have played ten tournament knockout matches without conceding a single goal.

Final word
I think it's very difficult to be champions once, twice is a lot more difficult, and three times is brilliant. I think that these guys have made an extraordinary effort and they have to be congratulated." Del Bosque sums up the achievement of his players.

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Triumphant Spain Do It Their Way - Europa Champions League 2012 Final

Italy Loose the Final of UEFA Euro Cup 2012

Fatigue and injuries took their toll on Italy in their final loss to Spain but Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Daniele De Rossi were proud in defeat.

Italy's defence had impressed in previous knockout ties against England and Germany but tiredness and muscle strains – Giorgio Chiellini went off in the first half and Thiago Motta in the second shortly after coming on to leave the Azzurri with ten men – told as Spain ran out 4-0 winners. Though beaten, Italy's players were unbowed as they reflected on their run and hopes for the future.

Gianluigi Buffon, Italy captain
It's ended badly because we faced a great team who deserved to win. Sometimes in life you need to be able to accept defeat and compliment opponents who were better. They have a lot of players who are accustomed to playing certain types of games, important games like the final of a European Championship. I think at the start we paid for this because we were not the same Italy as we have been. We have nothing to complain about. Spain were the better team and we congratulate them.

Daniele De Rossi, Italy midfielder
I think Spain are better than everybody: in ten games against them you will lose seven or eight. If you win or draw it means everything went for your side. In Gdansk [drawing 1-1 in the group stage] I think we could have beaten them and nobody could have said we did not deserve it. Tonight we did not manage to cause them any problems them.

We were up against a very strong side and were not 100%; we were very tired. Ahead of the game we were sure we could beat them but we never hurt them. Then the game was over after 60 minutes: you cannot give anything to a team like Spain, facing them a man down is really too much to ask. We could have avoided the last two goals but it would not have changed much.

Giorgio Chiellini, Italy defender
We're sorry because we hoped to win and end the tournament in another way. We were tired, very tired, and the injuries show that. Some of our players on the pitch could hardly walk. In the end we have to congratulate Spain. They deserved to win and tonight they proved to be better than us.

When Thiago Motta got injured we were down to ten men but they'd almost closed the game out in the first 60 minutes with their ball possession. Then in the last half-hour they exploded, thanks in part to having more players. Everyone's sad about the loss, but it can't erase a tournament in which we played well and we dreamt with millions of Italians. In my opinion that has to be the starting point for our future.

Leonardo Bonucci, Italy defender
It's hard, because we believed we could do it. If we had succeeded in bringing onto the pitch what has been our trademark here – our desire to pass the ball around and create openings – for sure we would have been here talking about another kind of result. But they deserved to win and we give them credit. Once again Spain have shown that they are one or two steps above anyone else.

I think that today in general we were unlucky in everything: from the goals we conceded to the players we lost to injury. It was just a negative night. We'll take away the experience we've gained in this tournament, which has been positive, because we had the desire to play football. From here we need to start again.

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Italy Loose the Final of UEFA Euro Cup 2012

Spain Stars Target yet More Success - UEFA Final Review

Jordi Alba was delighted to join in on Spain's unprecedented series of titles, while Cesc Fàbregas and Álvaro Arbeloa want yet more glory following La Roja's UEFA EURO 2012 final win.

Spain successfully defended their UEFA European Championship crown, but it was a first senior international title for final goalscorer Jordi Alba and the left-back said the achievement was only just "sinking in". La Roja may have now won the last three major tournaments, but Alba's fellow defender Álvaro Arbeloa is looking forward to continued success following the 4-0 win against Italy that secured the Henri Delaunay Cup for the third time.

Jordi Alba, Spain defender
It's my first EURO. They had made history before, and now I am also going to make history with them. I'm very happy. I still can't believe it. But little by little it's sinking in. We will now celebrate with the squad. It has been a very good EURO. And regarding scoring a goal: the people in [my hometown] L'Hospitalet, family and friends told me that I was going to score and, eventually, I did.

Talking about my move to Barcelona, I am very happy. [€14m] is an agreement between two clubs, between Valencia and Barcelona, and that's what [the amount] is. And honestly, everything has been going well, and I am very happy about everything that is happening to me. [Now I'm thinking] about the people from L'Hospitalet, who have supported me very much; my family, my friends, my grandparents – all the people who always support me.

Álvaro Arbeloa, Spain defender
It makes me feel proud. We've achieved something that nobody has achieved before, and that shows how difficult it is, right? We were lucky in scoring with our first chance, and we then felt very good after opening the scoring. We played a wonderful match against a team that have played a very good tournament, and deserved to be in the final. 

I'm very happy about the course of the tournament, really a tournament to enjoy. We did a really good job, all 23 players, and we are more than happy. I dedicate it above all to my family, who have always supported me, because without them I wouldn't be here. And [I think] about all the people who have always supported me.

We want to continue winning. We know it's getting more and more difficult, but we don't want to stop.

Cesc Fàbregas, Spain midfielder
I am very happy. The truth is that everything started very well when we won EURO 2008. At that time we didn't think we would win before the tournament. now it's turned out that we have won three tournaments in a row. It is incredible. I am speechless. I don't have words to express what we feel. I hope it continues, as we are a young squad.

The mental side, and the confidence, have changed. The group has also changed. We are a very hard-working team, very humble and disciplined. There are never any problems, people are very responsible and no one is ever late. The truth is that it's the small things that make us a fantastic group.

I worked hard to support the team during a long tournament. Also, I thank the team for the trust they placed in me. They know that I did not play as a forward when I was young, but they believed in me, and I am very proud that I could help this team in the last three tournaments.

I dedicate it to all the people that have passed away recently, as you may read on my shirt, to Miki [Roqué], Manolo [Preciado], [Daniel] Jarque and [Antonio] Puerta. It is a very special day for them as well, for their families and friends. I hope they had a great time, we thought of them a lot and I am sure that those who are above are very happy for us.
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Spain Stars Target yet More Success - UEFA Final Review

Sadness on the Faces - Italia Loose UEFA Final

Italy cast aside their reputation for defensive football for a game rich in creativity, guile and excitement at UEFA EURO 2012, winning friends along the way if ultimately not the final.

They say that no one remembers the losing finalists but the football played by Cesare Prandelli's progressive side at UEFA EURO 2012 will live long in the memory as Italy cast aside their reputation for defensive football for a game rich in creativity, guile and excitement.

In a nutshell
Prandelli's charges came through a baptism of fire in their opening match against Spain but that 1-1 draw against the world and European champions was the platform upon which the remainder of their campaign was built. Inspired by their outstanding architect-in-chief Andrea Pirlo, the Azzurri improved game by game, entertaining the neutral in the process with their expansive brand of attractive football. Italy created chances galore, but for all their wonderful approach play Croatia, the Republic of Ireland, England and Germany were never put completely out of sight. The four-time world champions eventually met their match in Spain.

High point
Although the draw with Spain and the penalty shoot-out victory against England were both successful tests of character, the superlative semi-final success against Germany was the high point. Joachim Löw's side had been lauded for their attacking prowess and installed as favorites, yet after weathering the early storm it was Italy who emerged triumphant. The peerless Pirlo again pulled the strings in midfield, the 'blocco Juve' defended the Azzurri goal defiantly and Mario Balotelli came good with two exceptional strikes. The only blot on the copybook was Federico Balzaretti's handball that gave Germany a last-minute lifeline from the penalty spot but the late tension only served to make this team's victory taste all the sweeter.

Key man
Pirlo was Italy's creative force at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and his influence remains as strong as ever. Throughout the tournament he pulled the strings from midfield with his extensive range of passing, a trademark free-kick against Croatia and his 'Panenka' penalty in the shoot-out against England. He won three Carlsberg Man of the Match awards and, as Cesare Prandelli said: "He is one of the best midfielders in the world. Others may get forward and score more but the consistency he shows over 90 minutes is extraordinary."

Hope for the future
Headlines followed Balotelli in the Italian, English and Polish newspapers before and throughout UEFA EURO 2012 and they will doubtless do so long after he has left. Goalless in his opening two matches, the 21-year-old responded to being dropped for the final group match with a goal that sealed victory against the Republic of Ireland. Although he missed several chances in the quarter-final against England, his two unstoppable goals did for Germany and SuperMario's pace, power and unpredictability will make him a mainstay of the national team for years to come.

Vital statistic
15 – the number of competitive matches unbeaten under Prandelli, until the UEFA EURO 2012 final. For all the talk of their attacking verve, the Azzurri are a very hard side to beat. It took Spain two attempts to lower their colours.

Final word
"As long as we play football we are a good side. So long as we try to take supremacy in midfield we are a good side, but if we try to protect a result we become a side with a thousand fears. I have to compliment my team because they really played an excellent tournament."
Coach Prandelli sings the praises of his Azzurri squad.

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Sadness on the Faces - Italia Loose UEFA Final

Torres and Mata's Joy for Club and Country - Spanish Victory in UEFA

Fernando Torres and Juan Mata both came on to score in Spain's defeat of Italy and join a select group to have played in European Cup and EURO final wins in the same season.

Spain's UEFA EURO 2012 final defeat of Italy means Fernando Torres and Juan Mata have joined a select group of players to have played in European Champion Clubs' Cup and UEFA European Championship final victories in the same season.

The pair both featured in Chelsea FC's UEFA Champions League triumph against FC Bayern München in May and followed that up by collecting another winners' medal in Kyiv tonight. As in Munich, Torres came on as a second-half substitute in the final, but still had time to become the first player to score in two EURO finals as he struck the third in a 4-0 win.

Torres was also Spain's top scorer in Poland and Ukraine, registering three goals. "I have won my first titles at club level this season, the FA Cup and the Champions League," the 28-year-old said. "Now I have this EURO as well, which is beyond anything we could have imagined."

Mata came on in 87th minute and scored the fourth a minute later – the perfect way to mark his only participation in the tournament. The pair's success means three Spaniards have now achieved the feat, Luis Suárez having lifted the UEFA European Championship in 1964 shortly after helping FC Internazionale Milano to overcome Real Madrid CF in the European Cup final.

Twenty-four years later, the Netherlands triumphed, with Hans van Breukelen, Ronald Koeman, Barry van Aerle and Gerald Vanenburg all in their victorious side in the final against the USSR in Munich. The triumph marked a double celebration for the quartet, who were fresh from helping PSV Eindhoven to European Cup glory against SL Benfica.

Wim Kieft was a European Cup winner with PSV and an unused substitute in the Netherlands' EURO triumph, while Nicolas Anelka went through the same experience with France in 2000 after appearing in Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League final triumph. Anelka's Madrid team-mate Christian Karembeu holds the unique position of being an unused substitute in European Cup and UEFA European Championship final triumphs in the same year.

Ten players have played in European Cup final victories and EURO final defeats in the same year: Sepp Maier, Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck, Franz Beckenbauer and Uli Hoeness (1976, Bayern München and West Germany) and Ricardo Carvalho, Nuno Valente, Costinha, Maniche, Deco and Paulo Ferreira (2004, FC Porto and Portugal).

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Torres and Mata's Joy for Club and Country - Spanish Victory in UEFA

Spain Join Germany Atop the EURO Podium

Having become the first team to successfully defend the UEFA European Championship, Spain have joined Germany as the only three-time winners of the continent's greatest prize.

Spain's class of 2012 have etched their country's name on to the Henri Delaunay Cup for a third time with their record 4-0 victory against Italy in Kyiv.

Vicente del Bosque's men won the 14th edition of the UEFA European Championship at the Olympic Stadium, denying their opponents a second title in the process. Spain were previously crowned European champions on home soil in 1964 and in Austria/Switzerland four years ago and they now join Germany (1972 and 1980 as West Germany, 1996) as the only country with three titles.

France (1984, 2000) have claimed the cup twice; the Soviet Union (1960), Italy (1968), Czechoslovakia (1976), Netherlands (1988), Denmark (1992) and Greece (2004) complete the nine-strong list of former winners.

UEFA European Championship finals

01/07/2012 Spain 4-0 Italy – Kyiv
29/06/2008 Germany 0-1 Spain – Vienna
04/07/2004 Portugal 0-1 Greece – Lisbon
02/07/2000 France 2-1 Italy (aet) – Rotterdam
30/06/1996 Czech Republic 1-2 Germany (aet) – London
26/06/1992 Denmark 2-0 Germany – Gothenburg
25/06/1988 USSR 0-2 Netherlands – Munich
27/06/1984 France 2-0 Spain – Paris
22/06/1980 Belgium 1-2 West Germany – Rome
20/06/1976 Czechoslovakia 2-2 West Germany (aet, 5-3 pens) – Belgrade
18/06/1972 West Germany 3-0 USSR – Brussels
08/06/1968 Italy 1-1 Yugoslavia (aet) – Rome
10/06/1968 Italy 2-0 Yugoslavia (replay) – Rome
21/06/1964 Spain 2-1 USSR – Madrid
10/07/1960 USSR 2-1 Yugoslavia (aet) – Paris

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Spain Join Germany Atop the EURO Podium

Del Bosque's Spain won UEFA Champions League 2012

Vicente del Bosque spoke of a "great era for Spanish football" after his side retained the Henri Delaunay Cup with an emphatic win against a tired Italy team whose luck was out.

Vicente del Bosque became the first coach to complete the hat-trick of UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship on Sunday but he refused to linger on personal achievements.

"This is a great era for Spanish football," said Del Bosque, who paid tribute to his players after an "extraordinary" performance but also praised opponents Italy, a side he said had everything but luck. His counterpart Cesare Prandelli, looking as tired as his players, admitted he would have "pangs of disappointment" departing Ukraine, but he leaves satisfied with a tournament where his Azzurri squad warranted an 8/10 mark.

Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach
Before I start to analyse anything I'd like to say that everyone loses sometimes. Italy had a great tournament but had that injury with Thiago Motta [which left them to play the last 28 minutes with ten men] and the game effectively ended then. We played well, got the first goal and though Italy responded well we reacted and got a second. Our success is historic but we have to begin looking to the future and qualifying for Brazil.

This is a great generation of players. They have roots and know how to play because they come from a country that knows how to. We have a great bunch of lads, some playing abroad – they never used to. This is a great era for Spanish football. After Vienna [and the UEFA EURO 2008 final] Luis Aragonés, the then coach, showed us the way, the direction to go. But there are challenges ahead with World Cup qualification,and then the Confederations Cup where, representing Europe, we want to do well.

We had an extraordinary match but don't underestimate Italy – they just had no luck. Everything went our way tonight. Italy had one fewer player, one less day of rest and they tried throughout but couldn't get into the game. We played our own game and were faithful to what we've done over the years. I have spoken to the King [Juan Carlos] and his son and they told us they will see us tomorrow. This is a great time for all the Spanish people.

Cesare Prandelli, Italy coach
Our only regret is that we were so tired. We were up against a great side, the world champions, and as soon as we went down to ten men it was game over. We had a couple of chances at the start of the second half but didn't take them and when Thiago Motta went off we had nothing left in the tank. When we did attack, we struggled to get back to cover.

I think we've had a terrific European Championship and our only regret is that we didn't have a few more days to rest before this game. We played against Spain in the group stage and I thought we were excellent then – because we were 100% fit. Against a team like Spain you need to be at your best, going into tackles, and tonight we simply weren't. You have to pay credit to Spain. They have made history tonight and deservedly so. They may not play with a recognised striker but they still cause a hell of a lot of problems.

I'd give us an eight out of ten for the tournament. We had a difficult group and played some good games; we just struggled to recover our fitness. Italy have shown terrific team spirit, they've shown you can play attacking football, they've shown you don't have to kick people, they've shown you can lose with dignity and that they can react to hard situations.

You can never be happy after defeat; you always want to win. But the longer the game went on the more I came to reflect on how well we've played. When we fly over Kyiv and see the stadium lights I will have pangs of disappointment but I leave proud.

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Del Bosque's Spain won UEFA Champions League 2012

Spain Won the UEFA Euro Cup 2012 Final Against Italy

UEFA Euro Cup Final Result: Spain 4-0 Italy
Vicente del Bosque's side saved their best until last at UEFA EURO 2012 as they overwhelmed an Italy outfit that ran out of steam.

Spain saved their best until last at UEFA EURO 2012, a final-record 4-0 victory in Kyiv completing an unprecedented hat-trick of major tournament wins.

Against a flagging Italy side whose thrilling knockout campaign looked to have caught up with them, Spain were in control from the moment David Silva broke the deadlock with a rare header on 14 minutes. A barnstorming second with half-time approaching from the indefatigable Jordi Alba, his first international goal, left the Azzurri with a mountain to climb. The sight of Thiago Motta, their third substitute, being carried off on a stretcher ended all hope, leaving Italy to play out the last 28 minutes with ten men – and Spain replacements Fernando Torres and Juan Mata fully capitalized.

This was billed as a meeting of great creative minds, of conductors in their prime, of Xavi Hernández against Andrea Pirlo; but for much of the opening stages it was a one-man show. Spain's No8 picked up the baton from the off, in harmony with Andrés Iniesta, dictating La Roja's now familiar staccato movement as Italy were forced deeper and deeper. The olés had already begun among the sizeable Spanish contingent in the 63,170 crowd when, just before the quarter-hour, the pair combined to such devastating effect.

Xavi, who had fired just over moments earlier, fed Iniesta and his finely weighted ball allowed Cesc Fàbregas to easily outstrip Giorgio Chiellini on the inside-right channel. There was still plenty to do but how easily Spain made it look as Fàbregas pulled a sharp ball back for Silva, all 170cm of him, to glance his header in. It proved a disappointed Chiellini's last real action as he soon succumbed to the thigh problem that has hampered him throughout his time in Poland and Ukraine.

A heavy-legged Italy could ill afford the double blow, but impressively they fought their way back into it. Pirlo, inevitably, was their driving force, the beating drum that pulled the strings at the back and sounded the horn to attack. Not that there was much of that. In fact, Pirlo's most telling contribution of the first half was a superb last-ditch block on Iniesta. Yet try as he might – and he did try – the 33-year-old could not be everywhere.

Spain's second was a little too easy, though. Standing on the touch line near halfway, Fàbregas headed Iker Casillas's clearance to Alba who turned the ball into Xavi before haring forward. The Azzurri back line did not seem to notice but the erudite Xavi did, advancing forward before slotting his new FC Barcelona club-mate in. The composed left-footed finish that followed would have pleased even David Villa, watching in the stands with Carles Puyol.

It seemed nothing could now deny Spain a first competitive victory against the Azzurri in 92 years – at least over 90 minutes – but Italy were not done yet. Antonio Di Natale, scorer in the 1-1 draw between these sides three weeks ago, came on for Antonio Cassano and within six minutes he could have scored twice. His first chance, a header, was far from simple but the striker could have done better when Riccardo Montolivo's pass found him in space. He snatched at the chance, though, and the advancing Casillas blocked.

Yet Italy's slender hopes of mounting a comeback disappeared when Thiago Motta did likewise down the tunnel. It was left for Xavi to resume his conducting, slowing things down until, with six minutes remaining, he upped the tempo for a rousing crescendo. First he robbed Pirlo in midfield and set up Torres for a goal to add to his UEFA EURO 2008 showpiece effort – a feat no one has managed before – then he combined with Torres to release Mata, just on, to set seal on an emphatic win. It has been an emphatic four years.

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Spain Won the UEFA Euro Cup 2012 Final Against Italy