We saved our best until last, says Xavi

Spanish boss Vicente Del Bosque was his typical modest self after his side had steamrolled Italy 4-0 to win Euro 2012 in Kiev last night.

Del Bosque, now the first coach to win the European Championships, World Cup and Champions League, was emotional but understated when he spoke to Spanish TV after the final whistle.

“The first goal really helped us, and the second from Jordi [Alba] came at a good moment,” said Del Bosque. “We did what we could for the country, it was not easy to achieve. We said before that Italy were a great rival. I dedicate this first to Spanish football and my family.”

La Roja, who had been criticised as boring earlier in the tournament, released the handbrake and motored to the title.

Playmaker Xavi Hernández said his side had saved their best performance of the tournament for last.

“We played a full game, our best of the tournament which makes us happy,” said Xavi. “It helped to go ahead early, we had possession and could take advantage of the space. We were much better than Italy, in truth.

“Today I felt comfortable in the pitch and am very happy with two assists. There was a lot of pressure on us, now we must enjoy ourselves.”

Spain are now the first team since the Second World War to win three consecutive major international tournaments.

Captain Iker Casillas paid credit to everyone who had helped the players get where they were today.

“We have done this because of all the talent which we have in this team, the work we have done, the team we have behind us, the coaching staff, youth coaches at all levels, and above all our coach [Del Bosque],” said Casillas. “There are always critics, but at the end we are the champions.”

Left-back Alba, who sliced through the Italian defence to score the second Spanish goal, said his first international tournament had gone even better than he could have expected.

“It is hard to take it all in yet,” he said. “The European Champions has been very beautiful, and the goal too. Everything has gone so well... My team-mates had made history before, this is my first championships. I am thinking now of my family, my friends, my grandfather, everyone who has helped me to get here.”