Superior than Euro 2004, this edition of the world's best soccer delivered expectations.
Powerhouses like Italy, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands let down their fans; specially France with a horrible performance in the first round.
Netherlands after a spectacular first phase that gave their fans new illusions, didn't manage to impress and fell in hands of King Hiddink's Russia that ended as the sensation team of the Euro with players such as Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko.
Portugal spoke a lot before the tournament and were easily defeated by the Germans that with plenty of self-love and mentality reached the final after beating the tough Turkish team that couldn't have 9 regulars on the semi-final.
Spain demolished the malaria they suffered in previous tournaments when they always failed in the important moments and this time, after beating Italy on penalties, were clear favorites to win the tournament because they had the best players and the best collective play.
Torres, Villa, Iniesta, Xavi, and Casillas were the star players of the champion team.
Cristiano Ronaldo demonstrated he's not at the level of Zidane and Maradona to become a single super star player of an important tournament. Instead, newcomers stole the show and collective play again demonstrated it's the best method to win important matches.
Overall, this tournament was spectacular and very well played, with a few surprises like Turkey and Russia and few disappointments like France and Czech Republic.
Something to notice were the last minute ties or wins by Turkey and Croatia specially.
Also, there were many polemic situations like Polish press throwing insults and more to Germany who with Austria and Croatia formed the political group of the tournament.
An excellent tournament that is considered as the best Euro of all time.
