2014 World Cup up next for European champions Spain

Iniesta named player of the tournament, Torres clinches Golden Boot.

KIEV:

By thrashing Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final, Spain staked a claim to the title of the greatest international team of all time.

A bewitching alliance of technical artistry, intuitive movement and metronomic passing, Spain have refocused perceptions of what it takes to succeed in the international game. In light of the fate that befell Italy, it seems absurd that Spain could have been criticised for the quality of their football in the days preceding the decider.

Spain replied to their critics in the most emphatic way possible at Kiev’s Olympic Stadium, to leave coach Vicente del Bosque in no doubt as to the validity of their approach.

“The way that the national team is going is clear,” said del Bosque. “We can’t only think about the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but afterwards as well. I think the way is clear.”

Torres bags Golden Boot award

Fernando Torres won the Golden Boot award, edging out Germany’s Mario Gomez because of having had less game time during the finals.

For Torres it sees him complete an incredible latter part of the 2011-12 season where he also collected the FA Cup and Champions League winners medals with Chelsea having been all but written off for the majority of the campaign as he failed to fire for the English club.

Iniesta wins Euro 2012 player award

Meanwhile, Andres Iniesta was named player of the tournament by European football’s governing body.

The 28-year-old, who was man of the match in Spain’s historic win in the final, was selected by a technical committee made up of 11 people. While the Barcelona star failed to score and set up just one of the Spaniards goals through the tournament he won the award for his overall influence and effect on the Spanish attacking play.

“For me, it’s not that important to score goals,” said Iniesta. “It’s always been like this for me. I’m very happy we’re the champions again. I just want to enjoy what I’m doing and if people appreciate that, then I’m happy.”

Meanwhile, Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon was gracious in defeat.

“Against Spain, you accept losing more easily,” said Buffon. “It was a great adventure. In a final, you have to win but we played against a team of incredible quality.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2012.