Spain made it to Euro 2012 after winning all eight of their matches in Group I of tournament qualifying. Averaging just over three goals a game in their group games, the defending champions breezed through against the Czech Republic, Scotland, Lithuania and Liechtenstein.
Spain struggled early in the group stages, with Lithuania, Scotland and the Czech Republic all testing their measure, however they eventually broke the shackles with a 6-0 win at home to Liechtenstein which settled their nerves.
David Villa was their top goal scorer with 7 goals in 8 games, while David Silva added 4.
Liechtenstein 0-4 Spain (Torres 18', 54', Villa 26', Silva 62')
Spain 3-1 Lithuania (Llorente 47', 56', Silva 79')
Scotland 2-3 Spain (Villa 44', Iniesta 55', Llorente 79')
Spain 2-1 Czech Rep (Villa 69', 73')
Lithuania 1-3 Spain (Xavi 19', Kijanskas 70' [og], Mata 83')
Spain 6-0 Liechtenstein (Negredo 34', 37', Xavi 44', Ramos 52', Villa 60', 79')
Czech Rep 0-2 Spain (Mata 6', Alonso 23')
Spain 3-1 Scotland (Silva 6', 44', Villa 54')
They were drawn in Group C at Euro 2012, coming up against 2006 World Cup winners Italy, as well as Croatia and Ireland.
They began their tournament against the Italians, and after going behind through an Antonio Di Natale goal in the 61st minute, they pegged their opponents back 3 minutes later through Cesc Fabregas.
Their next match was much more comfortable, easily accounting for Ireland 4-0. A Fernando Torres double saw off the Irish, with David Silva and Cesc Fabregas also getting on the scoresheet in the victory.
The third and final group game was a little tougher for the Spaniard's, as they had to rely on an 88th minute goal from substitute Jesus Navas to seal all three points. The win guaranteed qualification through to the Quarter Final's, whilst also seeing them top Group C.
Two Xabi Alonso goals sent Spain through in the Quarter Final against France. Alonso headed home in the 19th minute, before scoring a stoppage time penalty to see off the French.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal were the competition in the Semi Final's. The two sides couldn't be split after 90 minutes, meaning the game went to an additional 30 minutes of extra time. After no goals were scored there, the match would be decided by penalties. Xabi Alonso had his spot kick saved, however Iker Casillas came to the rescue, denying Joao Moutinho before Bruno Alves hit the crossbar with his penalty. It meant that when Cesc Fabregas slotted in off the post, Spain would be going through to the Euro 2012 Final with the opportunity of becoming the first ever nation to win back-to-back European Championships.
Spain 1-1 Italy (Fabregas 64')
Spain 4-0 Ireland (Torres 4', 70', Silva 49', Fabregas 83')
Croatia 0-1 Spain (Navas 88')
Spain 2-0 France (Alonso 19', 90+1')
Portugal 0-0 Spain {2-4 pens}
Spain will now play off in Kiev, seeking to become the first ever nation to win back-to-back Euro crowns, as well as looking at joining the illustrious group to win three major international tournaments in a row (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012).


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