Viva Espana! Spain euphoric at Euro 2008 win

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

MADRID (AFP) — Tens of thousands of ecstatic Spanish fans danced and chanted "Viva Espana" in central Madrid late Sunday as the country's first major international football trophy in 44 years sparked a nationwide fiesta.

The capital was awash with the red and gold national colours, as the country celebrated the 1-0 Euro 2008 win over Germany in true Spanish style -- by partying late into the night.

The deafening sounds of cheering, klaxons and firecrackers from the vast Plaza Colon, where fans watched the match live from Vienna on giant television screens, mixed with those of car horns across the city.

Police estimated the crowd at 65,000 in and around the square.

Many were wrapped in the Spanish flag, wore the red team shirts or red wigs, or had...