Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has hailed the country’s "golden generation" after La Roja emphatically put Italy to the sword in the Euro 2012 final, winning 4-0.

 

This was despite both sides having played out a 1-1 draw in the group stage, which gave very little clue as to the one-sided nature the final would take.

 

Now Spain have won three major international finals tournaments in a row – Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012 – an astonishing achievement and one which marks out the fact that La Roja can call upon a number of world-class performers.

 

Del Bosque understands how lucky he is to have such talent at his disposal and well appreciates he has a sublime generation with which to work.

 

"This a great generation of players", said the former Real Madrid boss post-match.

 

"They have roots and know how to play because they come from a country that knows how to.

 

"We have a great bunch of lads, some playing abroad, which never used to be the case.

 

"This is a great era for Spanish football."

 

And despite reveling in victory, Del Bosque could not resist a look into the future.

 

"There are challenges ahead with World Cup qualification, then the Confederations Cup where, representing Europe, we want to do well."

 

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