A wonderful tournament (well somewhat wonderful if you take out the French performance) came to an end yesterday with the best team walking away with the trophy. Spain defeated the Huns 1-0 on a spectacular goal from Torres. The score line could have been much more severe had Torres' first half header blasted off the post, Lehman had not made a great save on Ramos and Senna had been a few inches taller. Germany never looked likely to win this game, they defended and sat back absorbing the Spanish attacking flair looking to strike on set pieces and counter attacks. As the game progressed it became clear that the only way Germany would steal the trophy would be to get a fluke goal, go to extra time and win in PKs. Fortunately this did not occur and the proper team won the tournament. Spain was the class of the tournament. Their attack was lethal with Villa on top of his game. Senna was a beast showing how a team can play with one holding/defensive midfielder (please note Domenech). They did not concede a goal in the knock out stage demonstrating their solid team defense. So where does Espana go from here? Many will already have them touted as favorites for the World Cup - they are young - Fabregas 21, Villa 26, Ramos 22, Silva 22, and Torres 24 - not a bad core to build on. I think the main question becomes does Senna keep up his high level at 31+ and who is ready to step up to replace him. Spain had everything going for them this tournament, and a strong reason why their offense was so dynamic was they had a pit bull behind them protecting the back 4. Without that player the game will be very different.
Spain has shaken off their moniker of underachievers, they have the talent, the core and the system. But international football world is fickle, it is up to the new manager to find the right system and to continue to build. The future is bright for Espana...hopefully my buddy Jose is breathing a little easier today and for the next few years!
Viva Espana
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