"Football was the winner" is one of the most over-worn cliches in the game but it happened to be true about Spain's victory in Euro 2008. The connoisseurs will be able to sit back in years to come and simply say that the best team won what was one of the most entertaining and aesthetically pleasing football tournaments of recent times.
Departing European champions Greece lost their third game out of three when they were beaten 2-1 by Group D winners Spain at Euro 2008 on Wednesday. Striker Angelos Haristeas opened the scoring for Greece with a header in the 42nd minute, his team's first goal of the tournament, but Spain equalised in the 61st through Ruben de la Red and took victory with a Daniel Guiza goal two minutes from time.
Spain are unbeaten in 18 matches and have won their last eight on the trot. Their quarter-final opponents will need to produce something special to end that run.
Frank Rijkaard will leave Barcelona at the end of the season and former captain Pep Guardiola will take over as coach of the team, club president Joan Laporta announced on Thursday. Former Netherlands international Rijkaard took charge of Barcelona in 2003 and led them to back-to-back league titles and victory over Arsenal in the Champions League final in Paris in 2006.
The Catalans made a lethargic start and fell behind in the 16th minute when striker Joseba Llorente bundled the ball into the net but they salvaged a point when Ronaldinho equalised with a neat finish just before halftime.
World number two Rafael Nadal recovered from an unsteady start to overpower Marcos Baghdatis 6-4 6-4 in the Madrid Masters on Wednesday and set up a mouth-watering last-16 clash against Andy Murray.
British number one Andy Murray continued his return to form with a classy 6-4 6-1 win over Radek Stepanek in the first round of the Madrid Masters on Monday.
Brazilian midfielder Emerson will return to Italy to play for AC Milan after just one season with Real Madrid.
He was unveiled at the Nou Camp after passing a medical and putting pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Primera Liga side.
Real Madrid won the league title thanks to a new-found team spirit, pragmatic style of play, steely determination and dash of good fortune.
David Beckham is in the best form of his life and should be recalled to the England squad, Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello said on Friday.
Valencia and Inter Milan have been charged with improper conduct by UEFA after the Spanish side's substitute David Navarro sparked a brawl at the end of their Champions League victory on away goals at the Mestalla.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are hoping a return to the European stage in their last 16 Champions League showdown.
Holders Barcelona host Liverpool in the Champions League knockout on Wednesday.
Barcelona forward Ronaldinho recaptured his form on Sunday when he struck twice to lead his side to a 2-0 win at home to Racing Santander that put them three points clear at the top of the Primera Liga.
Real Madrid were dumped out of the King's Cup by Primera Liga strugglers Real Betis on the away goals rule after they were held to a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu on Thursday.
Even if Chelsea enjoy success every season for the next 30 years -- they still won't match the Spanish giants.
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