Del Bosque the man, the manager
Coach Vicente del Bosque has hailed Spain's "great generation of footballers" after their historic win over Italy in the final of Euro 2012.
La Roja's 4-0 victory in Kiev made them the first team to win three successive major international tournaments. "We're talking about a great generation of footballers," said Del Bosque.
"They know how to play together because they come from a country where they learn to play properly. This is a great era for Spanish football."
- Vicente del Bosque was born two days before Christmas 1950.
- His hometown is Salamanca in western Spain.
- Played as a midfielder for Real Madrid for 14 years, winning five league titles and four cups.
- Represented Spain 18 times between 1975-80.
- Had three spells in charge of Real, winning the league and the Champions League twice.
- Del Bosque has managed the national side since July 2008.
- He is only the second coach to win a European Championship and a World Cup, joining Helmut Schoen of West Germany.
The 61-year-old added: "We have some great lads who play abroad, which was impossible before. We didn't really have players abroad and now foreign clubs want our players.
"To win three titles is almost impossible. Congratulations to the players. "It's true we were lucky enough to play a great match. Everything worked for us. It was an extraordinary performance against a difficult opponent.
"We played our own game. There were no real external influences - we were faithful to what we've done in recent years.
"I didn't really want to be the coach who wins but the coach who educates. I want to keep preparing them for the future."
Spain were at their scintillating best as goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres - who became the first player to score in two Euros finals - and Juan Mata helped them overpower the Italians by the biggest winning margin in a Euros final. They also retained the crown they first won in Vienna four years ago.
Between these two, La Roja have also claimed their first World title in South Africa and have now constructed a compelling case to be classed as the best team in history.
Sunday's victory was also the perfect riposte to the critics who have suggested that Spain have abandoned attacking principles and are not entertaining to watch.
Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas told BBC Sport: "It feels really, really amazing. It's one of the best days of my life.
"I don't think we realise what we've done. In time we'll see. Are we boring? People who think we are boring, I don't think they understand the game."
Spain captain Iker Casillas, for whom Sunday's win was his 100th from 137 caps said: "There will always be some criticism as we have set the bar so high. That's what happens when you come down a step. It's been four marvellous years.
"You might think that a 4-0 margin against Italy means it was easy - but we have been gradually stepping up as the tournament went along.
0 comments