Golden Boot-winner Torres hails Spain ufffds domination

Fernando Torres believes Spain have established the yardstick by which future international success will now be measured.

Vicente del Bosque's men destroyed Italy in the final of Euro 2012 in Kiev last night to become the first team to win three successive major international tournaments, including the World Cup.

Elated: Spanish players celebrate as skipper Casillas (centre) holds aloft the trophy. Pic/Getty Images

Torres came off the bench to score the third goal in a 4-0 hammering as Spain added another European title to their Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 crowns. The Chelsea striker told Marca: "You can't ask for more, but it is the work of the team and the togetherness that has brought us here.

"You always want to win more and more, but right now we have to enjoy this. We have won by a distance against a great team like Italy.

"We knew we were the opponent to beat, that it was going to be more difficult than ever and it has been.

"We had luck in some moments of the championship but at the end we will reflect on what today means in Spanish football history. We have dominated from start to finish and enjoyed a magical evening. Now we can say that national teams of the future will concentrate on us to try and make history."

Spain's Fernando Torres celebrates his goal vs Italy in the final. PIC/AFP

Torres spent much of the tournament on the sidelines as Spain played for long periods without a recognised striker, with Cesc Fabregas deployed as their most advanced player.

But he finished the campaign with three goals and, courtesy of his assist for Juan Mata's fourth last night, the Golden Boot.

He also became the first player to score in two European Championship finals following his winner against Germany four years ago.