Germany 0, Spain 1

FERNANDO A STAR BRIGHT

From ANDY DUNN in Vienna

WITH sincerest apologies to Abba...There was something in the air last night, a star was bright, Fernando.

Born in Spain, made in England, Torres brought nearly half a century of Spanish hurt to an end in Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium.

And so, from a magnificent Euro 2008, the Premier League can dine on some crumbs of comfort.

The English domestic game has been the making of Torres.

Champions

Against Germany here, he was brave, resilient, strong - and decisive.

His opportunistic first half goal (above) was enough to give Spain their first major trophy since 1964. And it was thoroughly deserved.

This, remember, is a team that won every one of their games in this outstanding tournament.

Russia 0, Spain 3

SPAIN LOOK FAB

From ANDY DUNN in Vienna

THIS was not just an end to so many years of Spanish hurt - this was a reminder that the Premier League is blessed.

Blessed to have a talent like Cesc Fabregas at the heart of it.

Because it was Fabregas who emerged from the dug-out in the first half and became the beating heart of his team.

His intelligence, vision and relentless drive posed questions to which the Russians had no answer.

Arsene Wenger must have been an extremely proud observer. And possibly even a slightly worried one.

Should he become a hero on Sunday against the Germans, the clamour for him to return to his native land on a full-time basis would be defeaning.

Germany 3, Turkey 2

Last-minute Lahm goal stuns Turkey

BALLACK THE BOSS

THIS time the imperious Michael Ballack will be there.

This time Chelsea's superstar midfielder will be the man leading the Germans into the final.

And this time the man who wears 13 is hoping he will finally enjoy the good fortune to capture a major prize.

Spain 0 Italy 0 (Spain win 4-2 on penalties)

Fabregas shoots Spain to semis

By ANDY DUNN in Vienna

IN MADRID, he is known as Saint Iker ... and from now on, the whole of Spain will know June 22 as Saint Iker's Day.

After a stupefyingly dull but effective defensive display, the Italians were poised to add another chapter to a remarkable and painful Spanish history.

READ ANDY DUNN'S LATEST BLOG HERE

Three times they had faced quarter-final shoot-outs on June 22-three times they had been spot-kicked out of a tournament.

Holland 1, Russia 3

GUSS IS TOR-IFIC

by ROB BEASLEY

GUUS HIDDINK was the toast of his adopted Russia but the scourge of his native Holland after this sensational quarter-final win.

And he loved every minute of it.

Andy Dunn on Holland's great expectations. Click here for the full story

At the end of an epic encounter, totally dominated by his magnificent men from Moscow, he raced on to the pitch to join the joyous celebrations.

Croatia 1, Turkey 1 (Turkey win 3-1 on penalties)

TURKEY TRUIMPH

By ANDY DUNN in Vienna

SLAVEN BILIC will now be the most sought-after young manager in world football.

But on a night of nerve-shredding drama in Vienna, the Croatian showed he still has lessons to learn.

Portugal 2, Germany 3

BALLACK SHATTERS NEW BLUES BOSS

From ROB BEASLEY in Basel

GERMANY boss Joachim Low was banished to the stands here at St Jakob-Park but still came out on top against Chelsea's new boss Big Phil Scolari.

Low was paying the penalty after being sent off in the clash with Austria earlier in the week and watched from a private box

Russia 2, Sweden 0

AND IT TO RUSSIA

ANDREI ARSHAVIN returned from suspension to earn Russia a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 with victory over Sweden in Innsbruck.

Sweden only needed a point themselves but had no answer to the Zenit St Petersburg playmaker.

Greece 1, Spain 2

SPAIN'S DIAMOND GUIZA

From ANDY DUNN in Salzburg

HE celebrated with his trademark archer pose - and should a Premier League club capture Daniel Guiza this summer, they might just have hit the bullseye.

With Fernando Torres and David Villa rested ahead of Sunday's quarter-final against Italy in Vienna, Spain paraded yet another striker of the highest quality.

And, with his country showing a nice knack for late winners, Guiza (right) popped up to head home Sergio Garcia's cross.

Popped up is probably the wrong phrase.

He gave a disciplined demonstration of the striker's art all night.

And there is little doubt that Guiza - currently plying his trade at Real Mallorca - will not be short of pursuers in the transfer window.

Arsene Wenger is said to be a big admirer.

France 0, Italy 2

FRENCH FRIED IN GROUP OF DEATH

From ROB BEASLEY in Zurich

WORLD champions Italy finally found their form to put the forlorn French to the sword and march into the Euro 2008 quarter-finals.

But the French are out - finishing bottom of the Group of Death after managing just a solitary point.