The scoreline in the decider may have been 1-0 thanks to an outstanding finish from Fernando Torres, but in truth there was much more between the sides than that.

The Spanish outplayed the Germans, just like they had done against Russia (twice), Sweden and Greece earlier in the competition.

Only Italy stifled the classy Spaniards, but thankfully football, along with the side managed by Luis Aragones, turned out to be the winner in the quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

You would have thought that Northern Ireland would have employed Italian tactics back in September 2006, when the Spanish visited Windsor Park in the Euro qualifying campaign.

It is true that Northern Ireland, then managed by Lawrie Sanchez, got in amongst the superstars from Spain, but the men in green also went toe-to-toe with the visitors in terms of free flowing football.

And looking back, our boys weren’t found wanting.

Northern Ireland fell behind, not once, but twice.

Showing incredible character and no little skill, roared on by 14,000 passionate fans, Sanchez's side hit back through David Healy to leave the score at 2-2 with just 10 minutes remaining.

Then came that stunning winner - Healy’s hat-trick goal, chipping Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas from 30 yards.

It was a magic moment for Northern Ireland, but a shocker for Spain.

Coach Aragones was lambasted for

his team's display and was fortunate to stay in a job.

His players, too, were heavily criticised but Aragones basically kept faith with them all, bar the legendary Raul.

It proved to be a wise decision from the wily old coach.

From Windsor woe they went from strength to strength all the way to Vienna last Sunday where they ended up winning the Euro crown, ending 44 years of hurt in the process.

After the victory over Germany, David Villa, the top scorer in the competition, stated that the defeat in Belfast actually proved to be a turning point for the Spanish.

So, if he is saying it, there is no reason why we can’t savour the fact that en route to their greatest triumph ever, Spain were given a right going over by Northern Ireland.

That result at Windsor a couple of years ago reflects well on us — especially when you consider Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Torres and Villa all played against Healy and co.

It should also give our players, now led by Nigel Worthington, confidence going into the World Cup qualifiers.

After all, if we can beat Europe’s best, there is no reason why we can't beat the rest.