Holiday in Spain

The country of Spain has pretty much flown under the author's radar, with the exception of the 1992 Summer Olympics and occasional gazpacho reference. Seriously, who would ever want a cold, tomato-based soup? But with the Spaniards' dominating 1-0 victory over the Germans today in the EUFA EURO 2008, the siesta-loving little country is enjoying probably their best day in 44 years and probably burning Madrid to a crisp as you read.

All through the tournament we heard how Spain has choked before and how they're too young to see this terrific run through to completion. And how they were forced to wear those unlucky uniforms. Oh, those crazy Europeans and their refusal to let anything go. It's been awhile since Moliere was writing, guys. Get over it. Can you imagine the Pittsburgh Pirates freaking out because they have to wear their unlucky reds?

It was Fernando Torres tallying the goal, a spinning chip over a sliding Jens Lehmann, in the 33rd minute. The real surprise was the lack of offensive opportunities the potent German attack was able to muster. Michael Ballack, playing through injuries, got a knock early in the contest and was taken off his game by a tenacious defensive effort.