MATT LAWTON'S EURO BLOG: We're all dead on our feet but have been dreaming of this Torres-inspired Spain win

When I was queueing at passport control in Basle at 4.30am on Thursday, to return to Vienna for last night's semi-final, I actually saw a Japanese colleague fall asleep on his feet. His passport dropped to the floor from one hand and his boarding card descended from the other but, rather like a horse, he somehow stayed on his feet until his chum woke him up. 

King of Spain: Fernando Torres challenges Germany's Christoph Metzelder during the uro 2008 final in Vienna

Another colleague, who was on the same ludicrously early flight, arrived at his hotel in Vienna only to find his room would not be available for hours. He went to a nearby shopping centre, nodded off while sitting on a bench and was then asked to vacate the premises by security. Seems they thought the poor chap was a tramp, which would suggest that along with the planet's most expensive kebab (more than 20 quid if you recall from a previous blog) Vienna boast the world's best dressed homeless people. 

But the standard of the football is keeping spirits high.

I tipped Spain at the start of the tournament and I thoroughly enjoy seeing players like Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas in action. 

For me, Torres is an absolute joy to watch. More so even than Cristiano Ronaldo. I admire not only the way he plays but the way he copes with being kicked from the first minute to the last. Histrionics are not part of his game. He simply dusts himself down and keeps going. 

He is such a graceful player. His running action reminds me of Sebastian Coe. He just floats across the pitch. And with great athleticism he possesses incredible skill and a brilliant finish.

In my opinion a combination that makes him the best striker in the world. 

After what was a terrific first season in the Premier League, I'm so glad his finish won the game last night. Now, like the rest of us, he can collapse before enjoying a break over the summer.