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The former Real Madrid coach declared that his country are going through a golden period in the game, but praised Italy's Euro 2012 campaign after the 4-0 final triumph

Vicente del Bosque has stated his belief that his Spain team have made history by clinching the Euro 2012 title 4-0 win over Italy.

La Roja became the first team to retain the European Championship and in so doing set a new record by winning three consecutive major tournaments.

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And Del Bosque feels that his side's achievements will be remembered for a long time, but admitted they came up against tricky opposition, despite the one-sided scoreline.

"We had the ball possession and the pressure, and this success of Spanish football is something historical," he stated at a post-match press conference.

"We are talking about a great generation of players. They know how to play because they have come from a country where they learn how to play.

"In football we have done a great job. We have great lads who play abroad and this was impossible before. This is a great era for our football."

Reflecting on the match, Del Bosque went on to say that his side's second goal was critical as it damaged the Italians' morale, but admitted Cesare Prandelli's side suffered from bad luck.

"I would like to that everybody loses sometimes, and the Italians have played a great tournament, and they had the bad luck of the injury to [Thiago] Motta, and that's where it ended unfortunately.

"This match was great, [my players] controlled the game. After we scored the first goal, the Italians were more dangerous, but we reacted well.

"They have given a huge effort. Our first goal damaged them, then the second was definitive. We had a lot of respect for Italy. They have been a tough rival, but we went ahead, maturing in the game."

The Spain coach's tactics had come in for criticism throughout the tournament but he stuck to his guns by choosing not to field a recognised striker, instead selecting Cesc Fabregas as a false nine and he was adamant it was the right decision.

"I did what I thought was best, and nothing else. I dedicate it [the win] to Spanish football and my family, especially. This is for everyone.

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"We just played our own game, and there were no external influences. We were faithful to what we've down in the past few years."

Spain won the tournament without their all-time record scorer David Villa and talismanic defender Carles Puyol but Del Bosque insisted they will be present to join in the celebrations.

"I've seen Puyol and Villa and told them to go out and celebrate, they are part of this. They have been very important."

Spain get their qualification campaign for the 2014 World Cup underway with a trip to Georgia on September 11.

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