Madrid: Spaniards blasted off fireworks and jumped for joy after their soccer team won the European Championship on Sunday night, giving temporary relief from the crushing economic woes that have engulfed the nation.
Tens of thousands gathered in central Madrid to watch their team beat Italy 4-0 and shout out "Gol!" more times than they thought possible. Even better for Spain, the country's team became the first ever to win a Euro, then a World Cup and then another Euro.
"We needed this win to counteract the suffering caused by the crisis, which seems endless," said a smiling Antonio Ferrillo in downtown Madrid as cars drove by with passengers yelling "Espana!, Espana!" as they waved the country's red and yellow flag.
Spain has the highest unemployment rate in the 17-nation eurozone, is immersed in a deepening recession and recently asked for a bailout to prop up its hurting banks....
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03:20 AM, Jul 02, 2012
Istanbul: Guus Hiddink's contract as Turkey coach has been terminated by mutual consent following the team's failure to reach the Euro 2012 finals, the Turkish Football Federation said on Wednesday, ending a disappointing spell in charge for the Dutchman. The federation said it had decided to part ways with the 65-year-old Dutch coach, ending his contract that was due to expire next summer. The decision, announced on the federation's website,...
07:24 PM, Nov 16, 2011
Belgrade: Nemanja Vidic has quit the Serbian national team after their failure to qualify for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine, the Serbian Football Association (FSS) said on Monday. The FSS published a statement by the Manchester United defender, who said media and fan criticism over his recent performances for Serbia had persuaded him to hang up his international boots. "The basic reason for my international retirement is...
03:30 AM, Oct 25, 2011
Full Time: Spain 4-0 Italy Spain are Euro 2012 Champions! 90th minute: Three minutes of added time to the second half. 87th min: GOAL! It's four nil. Mata scores! 84th min: GOAL! Fernando Torres makes it 3-0. The Spaniard striker makes it look so simple. Claudio Marchisio loses the ball in midfield, and Xavi's decisive pass leaves Torres to slide it past Buffon. So ten minutes and a bit before... 
