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Torres ends famine

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

This wonderful festival of football finished in style last night, settled by that stylish finisher Fernando Torres. In ending 44 years of hurt, Spain possessed too much heart, too much invention, and too much Torres for Germany.

Flair triumphs over German fortitude as Aragones' men banish their demons in style

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

FROM zeroes to heroes. Twenty one months ago, in the away dressing room at Linfield's Windsor Park home, nine of last night's European Championship winning side sat reflecting on the humiliation of a 3-2 defeat to Northern Ireland.

Sizzling Spanish rout Russia

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

LIGHTNING does strike twice. Echoing the three-goal margin with which they defeated Russia as Euro 2008 opened, Spain last night glided to the tournament's climax with some memorable second-half moves as thunder and lightning crackled around the Ernst Happel Stadium.

Agony for Turkey as last-gasp Lahm strike seals thrilling 3-2 triumph

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

German football as we know it -- the team that endures, the team that comes through, the team that wins-- was born in Switzerland, 60 miles from the stadium where they fought their way desperately through to another final.

Fabregas finds the nerve to end Italy's reign over the Spanish

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:14:14 +0100

It took what the Spanish call cojones for Cesc Fabregas to score Spain's win-ning penalty last night and lift of one of the oldest curses on their national team.

Arshavin scintillates in Russia's march to semis

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The European Championships now belong to Andrei Arshavin. Russia knocked favourites Holland out of the tournament in Basle last night, driven by the complete performance from Arshavin, who scored the final goal in their 3-1 victory after extra-time.

Croatia left to rue wide boys

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

As a stultifying game laboured into extra time, Fabio Capello looked on from the smart seats, chatting to Bernie Ecclestone, who could be useful if things go badly for the England coach in Zagreb in September and he needs a fast car.

Ballack seals German triumph

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Played two, lost two: Luiz Felipe Scolari has had a worse start to life as Chelsea manager than even Avram Grant.

Greeks exit the stage as Spain's reign continues

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

SO, Greece leave with some pride yet without a point. For the defending champions this tournament was a bridge too far but those who were in Portugal four years ago can draw comfort from the knowledge that they once succeeded on this stage.

Arshavin the key to Swede surrender

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

THE Midas touch that Gus Hiddink has on international teams took Russia into the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the first time on a night when his adopted team announced their capabilities by claiming the win they needed to progress.