After 1964, Spain are finally looking good for another feather in their cap. They arrived at the euro with the title of ‘underachievers’, but their recent knack of finishing matches with late goals can make them the champions of Europe, a title to die for.

Xabi Alonso, the Liverpool midfielder said that the Spanish had learnt to control their game and to put their plans into practice with calm and confidence. Judging by the fact that seven of Spain’s eleven goals in the tournament were scored in the last 30 minutes, including two against Russia in their 3-0 win, it is true that the armada are showing new footballing maturity.

Luis Aragones also had a key role to play, especially with substitutions. “Aragones’ greatest strength is that he makes those who don’t start also feel that they are also part of the result”, said Santi Cazorla. Dismissing rumors that most of the decisions reaped harvests due to luck, Cazorla said that the ability to take the right decisions at the right time was one of Aragones’ skills, and the results were a “a tribute to his judgement.” . Aragones’ has managed to do what the other coaches of Spain haven’t, he has managed to exploit the vastly superior bench strength of Spain and has produced highly successful results.

If the armada’s streak is to last for the last match against Germany, then they have to play with full concentration and exhibit their skills to the maximum, and also rely on the judgement of their coach. The fact that Germany has not played its natural game and that they just scraped past turkey may provide some hope for Spain in Euro 2008.