By John Solomon
How the government's punishing of the exposure of official wrongdoing can linger for years
Spain has taken its place among soccer's great teams by becoming the first nation to successfully defend its European Championship after winning the World Cup. The task, now, is to be remembered as the greatest.
Swathed in the red-and-yellow colors of Spain, hundreds of thousands packed central Madrid to give a hero's welcome Monday to "La Roja" — the national soccer team that erased the country's gloomy mood by winning the Euro 2012 Championship with such flair.
Spanish players carried the Euro 2012 championship trophy back to their native land Monday, ready to accept a hero's welcome and lead their economically troubled nation in a second night of jubilant celebration.
Out with feckless politicians, in with Spain's unforgettable soccer stars?
Spain is just one victory away from making history with a third straight major tournament win.
Portugal plays Spain in the first semifinal of the European Championship in Donetsk, Ukraine, Wednesday. Here's the running account of the action and pre-match buildup. All times are local to Poland.
Spain beat Portugal 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Wednesday to reach the final of Euro 2012. The match ended 0-0 after extra-time. The Spanish will now play the winner of Germany vs. Italy. Here's the best of today's action. All times are Polish.
Portugal plays Spain in the first semifinal of the European Championship in Donetsk, Ukraine, Wednesday. Here's the running account of the action and pre-match buildup. All times are local to Poland.
Xabi Alonso scored two goals in his 100th international appearance Saturday, leading Spain to a 2-0 win over France and a spot in the European Championship semifinals.
Defending champion Spain beat Ireland 4-0 in Group C at the European Championship on Thursday. Earlier, Italy drew 1-1 with Croatia.
Defending champion Spain plays Ireland in Gdansk, Poland, in their second Group C match at the European Championship. Earlier, Italy drew 1-1 with Croatia.
Villarreal coach Manuel Preciado died of a heart attack Thursday, one day after joining the team. He was 54.
In front of some of the players he molded into one of soccer's greatest teams, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said Friday he will leave at the end of the season and bring to a close a four-year reign of unprecedented success.
Spain erupted with its biggest fiesta in memory Monday when its football team returned to a jubilant nation after winning the World Cup, giving elated Spaniards a break from months of economic gloom and political squabbling.
Spain rules the soccer world, winning the World Cup at long, long last.
I would run to the TV," she said.
"These are signs of progress taking place in Spanish sports, and hopefully it will carry over into society as well."
