Vicente del Bosque was delighted to see Spain put in a professional performance as they swept past Italy and collected the Euro 2012 crown.
Alba pleased to play his part in record-breaking win
Vicente del Bosque was delighted to see Spain put in a professional performance as they swept past Italy and collected the Euro 2012 crown.
Despite being the reigning European and world champions heading into Sunday's showpiece with Italy, Spain had been criticised in some quarters for taking their passing game too far.
A lack of a central striker and an inability to round off flowing moves with an end product saw Del Bosque and his troops fall under the spotlight, but they offered the best possible response to their detractors in Kiev.
Spain were at their imperious best as they netted four times without reply, with David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata helping to send records tumbling.
"This match was great for our players, they controlled the game," said Del Bosque.
"After we scored the first goal, Italy were dangerous, but we reacted well.
"We had possession of the ball, we put pressure on them, and there was depth to our play. So we're very happy.
"This success in Spanish football is something historic, and now we have to look to the future and try to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil."
History
In lifting the trophy, Spain became the first side to defend the title and the first European side to win three consecutive international tournaments.
The magnitude of their achievement has not been lost on the players, with Barcelona-bound Alba delighted to have played his part in a piece of football history.
"My team-mates made history before and now I am doing so together with them in my first European Championship," said the flying full-back.
"I am struggling to believe it, but it seems to be sinking in little by little.
"I told my friends and family I was going to score tonight and that's the way it turned out."
