'Spain triumphed but football the winner'

There are many routes to glory but there are also very few times the summit is reached with such style and such flair as the new champions of Europe managed yesterday. Victory went to the team that scored the most goals, conceded the least, knocked out the world champions, ended their curse of losing penalty shoot-outs on 22 June, showed the most class and, in the end, dealt with the raw power of the Germans – beating them is not the same as beating anyone. The grandness of ambition and attitude towards entertainment that Spain showed from start to finish of this tournament has brought unanimous admiration and, ultimately, led to Michel Platini giving to Iker Casillas the trophy he took from Luis Arconada 24 years ago.
El Pais, Spain

Spain were simply the better side but we are still proud of you. The summer fairy tale of 2008 is over. Unfortunately there was no happy ending for us. Congratulations to Spain – you really earned it. You were the best team, with the best attack (12 goals) and the best defence (only three conceded). But we want to thank [Joachim] 'Jogi' Löw and his players. Who would have thought before the tournament that we would go so far?
Bildzeitung, Germany

It's not a dream, it's reality. WE ARE CHAMPIONS! It's true and it needs capital letters because finally, for once, justice has been done and there is a reward for playing the best football. The Furia Roja gambled that stylish soccer would triumph and it did. The risk they took has translated into the greatest glory Spain has known in 44 years. The sheer delight our entire nation is feeling today, embodied by Iker Casillas lifting that trophy in Vienna, is the greatest reward for these heroes of 'total' football.
Marca, Spain

Spain are European champions. They really were the better team. But heads up, Germany. The Spanish victory was deserved. They were the technically better team and had many more goalscoring chances. Spain are worthy European champions, having won all six of their games at the tournament. Germany were a real team that never gave up, but they also showed their bad side and that was not enough football-wise for the title.
Express, Germany

Spain triumphed but football was the winner. Read it slowly and savour it – we are champions of Europe. When Iker raised the trophy yesterday he was hoisting aloft a trophy which has always made others stronger. This time it was our confetti, our kisses, our champagne and our scarves. No fear, no complexes – not any more. Last night we fulfilled the final outstanding duty in this modern history of Spanish football. Fooball, our total football, now occupies the place it deserves to.
AS, Spain

The dream is over. Germany lost the final in Vienna against a superb Spain team. Fernando Torres scored the winning goal for the Iberians after a good half-hour. And manager Joachim Löw's XI struggled all game to breach the opposition defence and seriously threaten goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Spain are celebrating their second EURO title following the 1964 success while Germany will have to make do with second place.
Kicker, Germany