(CNN) -- Liverpool striker Fernando Torres proved the difference between the two sides, as his first-half goal gave Spain a 1-0 victory over Germany in the Euro 2008 final in Vienna.
Fernando Torres celebrates his match-winning goal, as Spain defeated Germany 1-0 in the Euro 2008 final.
Not only did the goal end Spain's 44-year wait for a major title, following their victort in the 1964 European Championships, it also meant Torres could finally get his hands on a medal for the first time in his career.
Match-winner Torres, who had never won a trophy with Atletico Madrid, Liverpool or Spain before Sunday, said. "I feel a tremendous joy.
"It still hasn't sunk in what we have achieved. This is my first title and I hope it's the first of many.
"We are used to watching finals on television, but today we were here and we won. The team that has played the best football in the tournament has won the title and now we have a place in European football history."
Torres' comments were backed up by Cesc Fabregas, who also plies his trade in the Premier League with Arsenal. "It is a long time since we have seen a team of that quality trying to play beautiful football. I dont think we've seen many teams have success playing that way.
"This the best day of my life as a player. I don't think we're conscious yet of what we have achieved. Forty-four years later we did it again.
"It's the best feeling you can have as a footballer. It's one of your dreams and I made it. You can see how young we are -- so hopefully in two years' time we will fight for the World Cup as well."
Meanwhile, Germany coach Joachim Loew praised his side for getting to the final. "I have to compliment the team for what they have achieved over the past few weeks," said the 48-year-old.
"It has been fantastic. The players are obviously disappointed, but they have every reason to hold their heads up high."
For German captain Michael Ballack it was more disappointment in a major tournament. "It is very sad to lose when one has come such a long way," said the 31-year-old, who missed the 2002 World Cup final because he was suspended and has also lost two Champions League finals.
"All the team battled away. This tournament has come at the end of the season and physically it has been tough. However, today we made too many errors and Spain deserved their victory."
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