Torres is the king of Spain as he sinks Germany in Euro 2008 final

It was Spain’s first triumph since they won this tournament in 1964, and Torres believes their young side can go on to win the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Viva Espana: Spanish players celebrate their 1-0 win over Germany in the Euro 2008 final in Vienna tonight

He said: ‘This has been a fantastic season for me with Liverpool and now with my national team, so I’m very happy. This is my first title and a lifelong dream but now I want to win more titles. I want to be the most important player in Europe and in the world.

‘We still have the World Cup to come, we have to be ambitious.’

Torres felt his side were worthy winners after outplaying the Germans for most of the match.

‘This has been a great victory for the team and all of Spain,’ he said. ‘At last justice has been done and the team that played the best football won the tournament.’

Golden strike: Fernando Torres celebrates his winning goal

His sentiments were echoed by midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who said: ‘It has been a long time since we have seen a team of this quality trying to play beautiful football and having success as well.’

The Arsenal star was delighted after helping to end Spain’s trophy famine and set his sights on following up their European coronation with a shot at World Cup glory in 2010.

‘I don’t think we’re conscious yet of what we have achieved,’ he said.

‘Forty-four years later, we have won a trophy again. It’s the best feeling you can have as a footballer. You can see how young these players are — so hopefully we will fight for the World Cup in 2010.’

Last night’s success was the perfect way for Luis Aragones to end his reign as Spain manager. The veteran coach, 69, is rumoured to be taking over at Turkish club Fenerbahce and is pleased his time in charge of the national side has been blessed with a trophy.

Sinking feeling: Germany's Michael Ballack ends up on the losing side once again.

‘I feel delighted,’ Aragones said. ‘I usually don’t show what I feel but I’m extremely happy. We worked well together and managed to get there.’

There were only regrets for the Germans, though, especially skipper Michael Ballack, who finished as a runner-up for the fourth time this season.

‘We lacked power against a great Spanish team and couldn’t keep up with them,’ admitted the Chelsea midfielder, who shook off an injury scare to lead his country last night.

‘But reaching the final was a great achievement. We have to be satisfied with that, considering the quality of the other teams.’

German coach Joachim Loew admitted the Spaniards deserved to win and said: ‘They were technically excellent and had more chances, so they were worthy winners.’

However, Loew claimed the defeat was harsh on his captain. When asked if Ballack deserved a winners’ medal, he said: ‘Yes, he does. Michael was our leader and represented the team and Germany superbly.’

Although Loew admitted his side had been outclassed, keeper Lehmann refused to accept defeat gracefully.

He said: ‘The referee (Roberto Rosetti) was a catastrophe and sometimes I think it is fixed when I see such a referee, who is biased and not correct in his decisions.

'For example, a Spanish player (David Silva) head-butted our player (Lukas Podolski) and the referee and linesman saw it.’