Spain matchwinner Fernando Torres said a dream had come true for him by winning his first major international title and Spain's first trophy for 64 years. ( dpa )
"It is a feeling of incredible joy," the Liverpool forward said.
"This is a dream come true for me. Winning the European Championship is almost like winning the World Cup."
Torres scored in the 33rd minute to give Spain a deserved 1-0 victory over Germany and was voted man of the match.
"I think we've played well throughout the whole of the tournament and it is only right that we have won the title," he said.
"When I held the trophy it was a tremendous feeling. We were the better team and have found our place in Europe."
Germany captain Michael Ballack said the team had made one or two mistakes and " Spain have not won undeservedly."
"It is always disappointing to lose a final but the team has played an outstanding tournament overall."
In a first reaction Germany coach Joachim Loew: "I think we have to recognize the greater quality of the Spanish team today.
"Of course, we are disappointed to lose but despite this I have to compliment the team for what they have achieved over these past six weeks.
"I told the players they should not be despondent. We managed to get to the final and that's something special. The Spanish had the better chances even if the goal did not have to be conceded the way it was."