Spain
Spain

After years of underachieving, Spain finally got it right when they beat Germany in the Final of Euro 2008.

After beating Italy in the quarterfinals and Russia in the last four, Fernando Torres’ first-half strike in the Final against Germany proved enough to hand Spain their first major title in 44 years.

Between 2007 and 2009 they also set a world record of going undefeated for 35 matches.

Coach: Vicente del Bosque
Nickname: La Roja
Honours: 1964, 2008 European champions; 1992 Olympic champions
Previous World Cup appearances: 12 (1934, 1950, 1962, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)
Best World Cup finish: 4th (1950)


 

Roberto Carlos walks off the pitch