So Spanish defender Carlos Marchena comes out and says,
“The Italy game was a turning point for the whole country,” he said to the press. “The game had many aspects that could have saw us lose; it was against Italy, it was a quarter final, it went to a penalty shoot out… and we won. It was a giant step for Spanish football.”
Actually, a buddy of mine said exactly that, “Spain just exorcised a demon” at the time. Mr. Obvious says…methinks this is big in Spain!
Indeed. As an established super power, the Azzurri were seen as the one main obstacle to Spanish glory. It had been 88 years since Spain had lost won a match against Italy. To say it was a psychological breakthrough is an understatement.
Who would have thought Spain would go on such a positive run while Italy head in an opposite direction?
That game at Euro 2008 ended 0-0 with most of the chances falling on Italy’s side. Spain struggled to crack through a stubborn Italian defense but they persevered eventually winning on penalties and then the Euro with a 1-0 victory over Germany.
Come to think of it, two years later, I ordain Euro 2008 ’The Exorcist’ indeed.
Spain deservedly sits on top of the world following their triumph over Holland in South Africa. Now the fun begins: Joining the world of super powers – and staying there.
