Euro champs Spain get a royal welcome home

Spaniards seized on their European Championship triumph as a source of restored national pride after months of economic anxieties, as celebrations reached fever pitch with a victory parade in Madrid. Spain thrashed Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final on June 1, becoming the first team to win two Euro titles in a row, with a World Cup in between.

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Supporters of Spain's national football team are hosed down by a fireman before congratulating their team's players on their return to Madrid following their victory in Euro 2012 football championships on July 2, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. Spain beat Italy 4-0 in the UEFA EURO 2012 final match in Kiev, Ukraine, on July 1, 2012. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
Supporters of Spain's national football team are hosed down by a fireman before congratulating their team's players on their return to Madrid following their victory in Euro 2012 football championships on July 2, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. Spain beat Italy 4-0 in the UEFA EURO 2012 final match in Kiev, Ukraine, on July 1, 2012. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)