Spain coach Vicente del Bosque could not stop praising his team, saying this was the greatest era of Spanish soccer.

Spain beat Italy 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012, to win their third successive tournament and stamp their authority on the world game.

"We're talking about a great generation of soccer players," Del Bosque said.

"They know how to play together because they come from a country where they learn to play properly. This is a great era for Spanish soccer.

"We have some great lads who play abroad, which was impossible before. We didn't really have players abroad and now foreign clubs want our players.

"To win three titles is almost impossible. Congratulations to the players.

"It's true we were lucky enough to play a great match. Everything worked for us. It was an extraordinary performance against a difficult opponent.

"We played our own game. There were no real external influences -- we were faithful to what we've done in recent years.

"I didn't really want to be the coach who wins but the coach who educates. I want to keep preparing them for the future."

Cesc Fabregas was again preferred to Fernando Torres, and did not disappoint having a hand in Spain's first two goals. "It feels really, really amazing. It's one of the best days of my life," the former Arsenal captain told BBC Sport.

"I don't think we realise what we've done. In time we'll see.

"Are we boring? People who think we are boring, I don't think they understand the game."

Spain captain Iker Casillas, who won his 100^th game for Spain in the final, said his side got better and better as the tournament progressed and brushed aside criticism of their "boring" style of play.

"It's been four marvellous years," the Real Madrid goalkeeper said.

"You might think that a 4-0 margin against Italy means it was easy, but we have been gradually stepping up as the tournament went along.

"There will always be some criticism as we have set the bar so high that that's what happens when you come down a pip.

"We have been able to get the best out of our players and make full use of our characteristics. And they were tired.

 "Now we will go off and savor the win together.

"Are we the best ever? I don't know. I think we have to keep winning and win more trophies.

"When we're retired in 10 or 15 years then maybe we can look back and say we were really good."

Andres Iniesta, who was named the player of the match, said: "It's very nice to have this man-of-the-match trophy, but it's especially great to be champions again.

"The team played a great match and all the players were at their top level."

His Barcelona team-mate Gerard Pique added: "It's a really special feeling. I think we have to enjoy this moment. This team is making history but we have to keep going and keep working hard.

"There is a World Cup in two years. We're going to enjoy this moment and then keep going."