Published 7/1/2012 6:52:32 PM by Shane Barrow from soccermogul

Sometimes the best team doesn't win.  Such was not the case at Euro 2012 as Spain ran out 4-0 winners in grand fashion over Italy in the final.  It was Spain's third major trophy in a row as they have now captured Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and now Euro 2012.

Having had their superiority questioned the last few days, Spain left no doubt at all.  They were class in every fashion as they ran Italy off the pitch.  A couple of Italian injuries certainly did not help the situation, but they would not have mattered ultimately.

Italy had to avoid an early goal to have a chance.  They weren't able as David Silva smashed home a header after only 14 minutes. Jordi Alba slotted home a perfect pass from Xavi in the 41st and the writing was on the wall.

"We were superior to Italy," said midfielder Xavi Hernandez, perhaps Spain's most influential player over the last four years. "We played a complete game and perhaps the best of the entire European Championship. We made history."

Italy's task was tough enough with 11 players, and it became impossible with just 10 men after the 64th minute. All its substitutes were used when midfielder Thiago Motta, who had only been on the field for seven minutes, was taken off due to injury.

Fernando Torres, who came on for Fabregas in the 75th minute, added the third goal with an easy finish and Mata really put the game away in the 88th, knocking in a pass from Torres.

Now the focus turns to the 2014 World Cup.  Can Spain possibly do it again and cement themselves as a dynasty for the ages?

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