EURO 2012 FINAL

Euro 2012: Spain victorious por reuters

Tens of thousands celebrate in Madrid after watching Spain cement their status
 as a global football superpower.

Spain thrashed Italy 4-0 to retain their European title, in the biggest victory 
margin in a World Cup or Euro final.

Italy were in danger of losing from as early as the 14th minute when Spain took
 the lead.

As they failed to stop a further three goals, the party in Spain began at 
the countdown to the final whistle.

SOUNDBITE: UNNAMED SPAIN SUPPORTER SAYING (Spanish):

"Very happy. Champions Spain, champions"

SOUNDBITE: UNNAMED SPAIN SUPPORTER SAYING (Spanish):

"They were very bad, very bad. They couldn't meet the expectations. 
They should have done more. It was a very easy final."

The picture in Italy was of bitter disappointment.

Dreams of victory turned to dust as fans watched goal after goal 
being scored against them.

SOUNDBITE: FAN FEDERICO IZZO SAYING (Italian):

"It just shouldn't have finished like this. I hoped and hoped and waved my flag,
 but it counted for nothing."

In Spain the party carried on into the night.

They've become the first national side to win three major trophies after
 their Euro 2008 success and World Cup victory two years ago.

Sarah Charlton, Reuters