Spain rewarded for style of play -Xavi

Spain's victory at Euro 2008 did soccer a favour, UEFA's player of the tournament Xavi has said. Nine of coach Luis Aragones's team were nominated in the squad of the tournament, as selected by European soccer's governing body on Monday, when they were...

Spain's victory at Euro 2008 did soccer a favour, UEFA's player of the tournament Xavi has said.

Nine of coach Luis Aragones's team were nominated in the squad of the tournament, as selected by European soccer's governing body on Monday, when they were praised for their open, attacking approach and their neat, possession football.

But it was the 28-year-old Barcelona midfielder, supplier of the pass for Fernando Torres's winner in the final against Germany, who was singled out for a special mention.

"They have rewarded Spain for their style of play and I was the lucky one chosen. They could have given it to any player in our team," Xavi said of his award in an interview with El Pais yesterday.

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