Torres gives Spain 1-0 lead at halftime in final

A sharply taken goal from Fernando Torres gave Spain a 1-0 lead over Germany at halftime in the final of today.

The Spain striker wrestled his way past Germany left back Philipp Lahm to meet a fine through ball from Xavi and then dinked the ball over keeper Jens Lehmann and into the net 12 minutes before halftime.

Torres had almost put Spain ahead midway through the half when he hit the base of the post with a header after good work by Sergio Ramos on the right.

Germany had enjoyed the upper hand in the opening exchanges with Miroslav Klose and Michael Ballack creating plenty of danger around the fringes of the area but they were unable to find the finishing touch to some promising attacking moves.