Vicente del Bosque's side appear impregnable after achieving a hat-trick of major trophies in scintillating if characteristic style
1 Spain are not boring. They're unstoppable …
Vicente del Bosque's side are history-makers, their hat-trick of major trophies secured here in such scintillating if characteristic style. They were also, quite clearly, the best team at these finals. Others have attempted to stifle them, some relatively successfully, but Spain cannot be out-passed or unpicked: the statistics suggest as much, but a glance at their fluid approach-play is more revealing. Rather, it is awe-inspiring. Claiming this trophy was a considerable triumph because, even in the immediate aftermath of winning the World Cup in South Africa, the Spanish had realised they needed to tweak and adapt their system to retain their lofty status. Now, without a recognised striker on the pitch, they maintained their threat and bite while still using the ball so slickly. Uruguay claimed two Olympic titles and the World Cup in 1930, but this Spanish team's achievement feels more startling. Forget "boring". They are untouchable.
2 … and they feel impregnable
The Spanish had actually conceded more of the ball to Italy in the opening period here, the Azzurri pinging it around for 53% of the time, but the Spanish mustered that ideal combination of ruthlessness and stinginess at the back. While Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta dazzled, their back-line heaved to contain the Italian threat. Spain have tended to hog the ball since 2006, but one of the more remarkable statistics to emerge from a tournament crammed with eye-catching numbers is the reality that this side has not shipped a goal in a knock-out match since Zinedine Zidane confirmed their elimination in Hanover six years ago. This was their 10th match since, with Iker Casillas's saves from Andrea Pirlo, Antonio Cassano and Antonio di Natale a reminder of his own remarkable qualities. The Spain captain celebrated a 100th international win here, with Spain now having played 990 minutes of knockout football unbreached. Which, in itself, is ludicrous…
3 Barcelona have a bargain in Jordi Alba
Spain is a team crammed with players who are comfortable on the ball and ever eager to gobble up possession, but they are also a side who continue to unearth gems. Jordi Alba made his full international debut only in October 2011 and, having recently been converted successfully from a left-winger to a marauding full-back by Valencia, the 23-year-old is now established as the successor to Joan Capdevila in the national lineup. His pass inside from Iker Casillas's punt and surge between Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli to collect the return before sliding in the Spaniards' second goal was stunning in its execution. Barcelona prised Alba from the Mestalla to Camp Nou for only 14m euros, a steal at that price and rivals will be shuddering at the prospect of Dani Alves and Alba pouring at opponents down either flank next season.
4 Italy's tournament can still be considered remarkable
It all felt somewhat unfair on the Azzurri, whose progress to the final had deservedly restored the country's faith in their national team after the disaster that was South Africa in 2010. Spain had won their last 70 games in which they had taken the lead, stretching back to 2006 and a trip to Windsor Park, but Italy were stubborn and classy in their pursuit of parity. Daniele de Rossi, driving them on support of Andrea Pirlo, was inspirational yet this felt like a game too many for many in the Italian side. Playing almost the last half-hour with 10 as ageing bodies dropped like flies left them prone, but pride has returned. "When I took over two years ago I wanted to make people recover their enthusiasm for Italy," said Cesare Prandelli. He may not have claimed this tournament, but he has undoubtedly achieved that much.
5 Farewell to Poland and Ukraine
All that pre-tournament concern feels like scaremongering now given the fine impression made by both host countries over the last month. That Poland and Ukraine failed to emerge from their groups banks them more credit on the basis local enthusiasm could easily have waned. The only disappointment in Kiev were the banks of empty seats, which Uefa would presumably pin on sponsors but felt wasteful given how many would loved to have been here. The finals may have lacked a jaw-dropping game by which to be remembered, but most of the contests it threw up were hugely entertaining and played in the proper spirit. The group stage caught the imagination early to suggest the watching world could be pining for a 16-team tournament in future years. There will be more scope for caginess when the format is expanded. England will be back attempting to qualify for Brazil 2014 yet, for now, Poland and Ukraine can reflect upon their Euro 2012 as a triumph. Read More
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