Justice was done on a night when, despite Spain being red-hot favourites, Germany's durability and their tendency to chisel out a result when least expected scared me away from Ladbrokes. I preferred to spend what little dosh I had at the bar, rather than throw it away. I had a wee notion for 2-1 for Spain at 9/1 but, thankfully, I resisted the temptation and settled down to enjoy the game without any side issues spoiling things. Really?
I've met John Motson a few times, at the start of the Souness era when English teams were banned from Europe and all the big names came up from London to cover our games. He is a real good guy, not in the least bit arrogant, unlike one or two of his colleagues, but all my respect for him just disappears as soon as he gets near a microphone. His voice just drills right through me and all those mind-numbing little snippets of information, which detract rather than enhance a commentry, have me throwing things at the screen. All of which can get you into trouble if you're watching a game in the pub.
Having spent two hours growling at him I just went apeshit when he came out with all that crap at the end. Something like: "It must be marvellous if you're in Madrid, brilliant if you're in Barcelona, vindicating if you're in Valencia or Villareal and - the big one! - lovely if you're in Liverpool!" Pass the sickbag. I'll tell you what, Motty, it was feckin krap in Kilwinning!!!
But I mustn't let a commentator deflect attention away from an excellent competition. With just a couple of noteable exceptions, the games were entertaining, there were lots of great goals, some incredible thrills and spills and, unlike so many big tournaments in recent years, most folks will agree that the best team won the thing. If justice was done, the Spanish would have been more convincing winners in the final. The 1-0 scoreline doesn't even begin to reflect their superiority but that ever-present line 'Don't ever write off the Germans' was niggling at the back of my skull in the closing stages and I actually expected them to nick a goal and take us into extra-time.
Thankfully it didn't happen. The good guys won and the most sensible line Motson muttered came when he suggested that Spain might be a good bet for the next World Cup. Then again, given my record at this competition, I think I'll steer clear of the cream-cookies wee while yet.
LITTLE BOY BLUE