Spain

BEIJING — Four down, four to go. The American men's Olympic team is halfway back to the top of the basketball world. And not even the world champions — on paper anyway — could give the Americans a game. Unleashing a lethal 3-point barrage for the first time in Beijing, the Americans turned the marquee matchup of the preliminary round into another romp, beating Spain 119-82 Saturday night to clinch the top seed in their group. LeBron James scored 18 points for America (4-0), which hit seven of its first 10 attempts from behind the arc after making only 29% in its first three games. They finished at 48% (12-of-25), an almost unfair total for a team with unmatched athleticism. Every American player scored — even Jason Kidd for the first time in Beijing — as the Americans turned the matchup of unbeatens into their easiest victory yet. Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony each finished with 16 points. The Americans will face the No. 4 seed from Group A, either Australia … [Read more...] about Team USA Rains on Spain in 119-82 Basketball Rout

We don't use the word "Dream Team" anymore, but yesterday the U.S. men's basketball team was positively dreamy. The 92-69 blowout against Greece showed what this team is capable of against an opponent they deem worthy of their full attention, as the U.S. dominated the paint, ran the break with precision and hit just enough three-pointers to loosen up Greece's zone for shots in the paint. Greece, of course, has been on this team's radar for the past two years, ever since a 101-97 upset in the semifinals of the World Championship in 2006 — one that has this year's squad calling itself the "Redeem Team." And this might not be the last the U.S. sees of this squad, as they could easily meet again in the semifinals. But after a few fairly lackluster efforts, this looked like the U.S. team everyone expected: The one that ran Lithuania — who is unbeaten in the Olympics — out of the gym in a pre-Olympic tune-up, and the one that is an overwhelming favorite to regain the gold … [Read more...] about Americans Get Revenge on Greece, Now Eye Spain

By beating Germany 1–0 in the Euro 2008 final yesterday, Spain ended its long run of big-tournament disappointments. For the nation of more than 40 million, it was only its second major tournament title, and its first since winning the 1964 European Championship, 44 years ago. Spain deserved to win this match. It had more shots on goal and kept the ball on the German side of the field for most of the second half. What's more, Spain played at a high level throughout the entire Euro 2008 tournament. It didn't lose any of its matches — technically, the penalty kick triumph against Italy counts as a draw — and didn't concede a goal in the tournament's knockout rounds. Spain's performance left no doubt about its merit as champion. Such a well-played and exciting final provided a perfect coda to the fantastic Euro 2008 tournament. The quality of soccer was excellent. A bounty of late goals provided drama. Euro 2008 was a billboard for creative, attackminded soccer. Yesterday's … [Read more...] about Winning Euro, Spain Finally Triumphs on Big Stage

VIENNA, Austria — Big-game flops no more, Spain won the European Championship 1-0 over Germany today for its first major title in 44 years. Fernando Torres scored in the 33rd minute and the Spaniards never backed down against such a formidable opponent. Their last significant title came in the 1964 Euros at home. In beating a team that makes a habit of appearing in championship finals, the Spaniards put to rest a reputation for underachieving. Always loaded with talented players, Spain has spent four decades falling short of expectations. That all changed at these Euros, where the Spaniards swept their first-round games, eliminated World Cup champion Italy in a penalty-kicks shootout in the quarterfinals, then routed Russia 3-0 in the semifinals. Against the highly accomplished Germans, they weren't intimidated. They got the one goal they needed — from a slumping striker, no less — and set off chants of "ES-PANA," and "Ole, Ole Ole" at the final whistle. The entire … [Read more...] about Spain Takes European Soccer Title From Germany

BEIJING — As Rafael Nadal stood in front of the medal podium, his nation's flag draped across his back like a cape, he looked a little like a Spanish Superman. In tennis, he is. Already assured of the No. 1 ranking, Nadal was No. 1 at the Olympics. He won a gold medal today, overcoming two set points in the second set and holding every service game to beat Fernando Gonzalez of Chile 6-3, 7-6 (2), 6-3. The gold medal was the first ever for Spain in Olympic tennis, and another milestone in an astounding summer surge by Nadal, who will officially end Roger Federer's 4-1/2-year reign atop the rankings tomorrow. Nadal has won 38 of his past 39 matches, including victories over Federer in the finals at the French Open and Wimbledon. "Nowhere in my best dreams I can imagine something like what I did this year," Nadal said. "I know how difficult it is to win these things, and especially here, because you only have one chance every four years." Elena Dementieva earned the gold in women's … [Read more...] about Nadal Brings Olympic Gold Home to Spain