Handbrake came off as Spain displayed final splendour

Spain had to win, and to win in style.

In the build-up to Sunday’s Euro 2012 final the feeling was that a great performance in a major game was still required for the team to secure a place in football’s pantheon.

This was perhaps unfair on Iker Casillas, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández et al, but the players themselves felt the need to make a decisive statement.