Torres: Spain in 2008 were a group that told the world that history can be changed FIFA World Cup 2018 - Spain 10 years since his goal won the European Championship

The clock said 21:15 CET on June 29, 2008, the day of San Pedro and San Pablo, when Xavi Hernandez raised his head, saw Fernando Torres make a run and played a pass towards the German area.

Lahm, the defender, was outmuscled by El Nino, and as Lehmann came out he saw the ball pass over his head.

It was the goal that ended 44 years of Spanish frustration, and put Vienna as the starting point of a unique journey in the history of football.

A decade later, Torres remembers that night with MARCA.

What do you remember of the move that led to the goal?

"I saw that Xavi received the ball between the lines and that he was very lonely. At that moment, I opened myself up slightly to my right to create space and be able to make a diagonal run towards the goal. Xavi passed but I couldn't reach or control the ball properly because Lahm was close and in a favourable position.

"In that instant I saw that I could continue my run on the outside and Lehmann didn't come out quickly. For a moment I think I can overtake the defender and get there before the goalkeeper, so I accelerated and... the rest is history."

How many things have you saved from that game?

"The kit, the boots, the medal, the match tickets, the press clippings... many memories."

Looking back, and seeing the figure of Luis Aragones, everything experienced by his side, especially during that 2008 European Championship. What are your thoughts?

"I miss him."

Is there something from that day that Luis told you to do, that you have special memories of?

"When he took me to one side alone in a hallway before going out into the field... he put me against the wall and grabbed my chest. He told me: "It's our time, Nino, you're going to go out there, you're going to score two goals and we're going to be European champions." Then he made the sign of the cross on my forehead and let me go."

Are you aware that you changed the history of Spanish football?

"Luis and that group of players changed the story. I was lucky to be part of it and I am very proud."

Did you ever talk to Lehmann or Lahm about that day?

"I met Lahm many times on the pitch after that game. One day we stopped to talk before the European Super Cup between Chelsea and Bayern (2013). He told me that whenever we played against each other I scored a goal, but that he was calm that day. I think I scored after 15 minutes. I have always been a great admirer of Lahm.

"With Lehman I saw him this past season at Arsenal-Atletico in London. We met in the tunnel and he said: "Hey, I remember you." I raised my head and saw him. I greeted him and told him that I also remembered him, we laughed and talked a little bit about football."

How do you describe to your children what that month was like in Austria?

"I tell them that in life, on some occasions they will think of achieving something that seems impossible. Many people will tell them that they can't do it, that they will not be able because they are not good enough, that they will fail. And those people will be waiting for that failure in order to feel that nobody can achieve something they would never dare to try.

"And they will also find people with their same dream and together they will be able to move mountains and will be able to achieve what they set out to do. That the road will be hard, full of doubts and obstacles, but that they are necessary to achieve what they want.

"I will also tell them that when they do succeed, those who encouraged them not to try will want to get jump on the bandwagon of success because it means they have learned the lesson and will never tell anyone that something is impossible. I will tell them that there was a time when Spain was not the Spain of today, a candidate for winning everything and favourite for all.

"That the fans themselves doubted that the group would win and their coach was looked down upon and invited to resign daily, but we formed a group that shouted to the world that we were there to change history.

How do you see Spain in this World Cup?

"I wish them the best, I have many friends and colleagues in that group. Hopefully any doubts will serve as a stimulus to grow as a team within the World Cup."

And if Diego Costa is the Torres of 2008...

"I wish it was him, or Saul, or Koke..."