Spain finally ended their 44-year wait for a trophy

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pain fans celebrate victory against Germany on Sunday (June 29) in the Euro 2008 championship

Spain finally ended their 44-year wait for a trophy when Fernando Torres's exquisite first-half goal gave them a deserved 1-0 victory over Germany in a fast and furious Euro 2008 final on Sunday (June 29).

Confident supporters gathered at the site at least four hours ahead of the match to get a good spot to watch the game in the public viewing area where they passed security checks and were hosed down by firemen, allowing them to keep cool before the match in the Mediterranean heat.

Spain, appearing in their first final since 1984 and seeking only their second trophy following their 1964 Euro success on home soil, have seen a steady gathering of support as they became known for their crisp passing, wonderful technique and defensive discipline.

Giant TV screens were set up in Madrid, Coruna, Malaga, Valencia, Zaragoza, Huelva and Santiago de Compostela. Fans in Madrid erupted in cheers as Torres scored after 33 minutes in a display fit for a final as he showed all the speed, determination and quality of finish that summed up his team's whole campaign.

Celebrations in the fan zone were partly overshadowed by minor scuffles between far-right extremists and police after the goal. Police were kept busy chasing troublemakers as emergency medical staff coped with fainting fans in soaring temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

As fans watched the clock tick towards the end of the match, biting their nails in anticipation of victory, their anxiety paid off with the final whistle declaring them European champions