By Eloise Horsfield
SPAIN made history last night with their 4-0 win over Italy in the Euro 2012 final – but surprisingly the grand final attracted fewer viewers than previous matches.
Just 15.5 million Spaniards tuned in to watch, compared with 18.1 million for Spain’s win against Croatia on June 18 and a whopping 20 million for the semi-final against Portugal on June 27.
The low figures can no doubt be explained by the majority of footie fans choosing to enjoy the clash with a cold cerveza or three in their local bar – rather than in their living rooms.
“We’re certainly expecting it to be rammed tonight,” said Dutchman Aart Cooiman, co-owner of Palm Beach chiringuito in Estepona, where the crowds were starting to gather two hours before kick-off.
Meanwhile 21.8 million people in Italy tuned in to watch their chances of winning the title slip away in a match completely dominated by La Roja.
The record-breaking match marks the first time a team has won three major titles in a row – having clinched the previous European Champtionship in 2008 as well as the World Cup in 2010 – as well as the most ever goals scored in a Euro final.
And Chelsea striker Fernando Torres landed his own personal victory, winning the Golden Boot as the top scorer of the championship.
The 28-year-old scored an impressive three goals in the 189 minutes he was on the pitch.
Asolutely fabulous display by worthy champions. The whole team played for one another and Mr Del Bosque should be Knighted.
Job well done. Congrats Espania
Oh so that’s why noone turned up to the office today.
15 and a half Spaniards?
Going for goal in the 90th minute of a 4 nil game against a side with 10 men, was the pinnacle of classless.
Soured an otherwise great performance.
@Chris
Any team should give its all until the whistle blows and the game is officially over. Another goal would have handed them the record for the largest winning margin in the tournaments history, so why not go for it?
I think you will find that is a record number of Tv viewers in Spain – Hardly low!
“http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2012/07/02/futbol/1341213230.html”