Torres netted the clincher in the 33rd minute, doing superbly to pick up a Xavi through-ball, skip past the challenge of Philipp Lahm before dinking his shot over Jens Lehmann and into the far corner of the net.

The former Atletico Madrid ace had earlier seen a header hit the post as dominant Spain finally banished their reputation of underachieving on the big stage by winning their first major trophy since Euro 1964.

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas started the match before being substituted after an hour. Liverpool's Xabi Alonso was introduced in the second-half.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack played the full 90 minutes for Germany but like many of his team-mates had little impact against the outstanding Spaniards.

Indeed, Spain missed a number of chances to extend their lead but that proved academic as they ended their 44-year wait for a trophy.