The celebration in the Spanish section was extraordinary. Red and yellow flags waved with a ferocity that threatened to tear them from their poles, scarves flew through the air like confetti, and the chant of "Mateo! Mateo!" echoed around the stadium with a volume that could be heard throughout Helsinki.
Even the Finnish supporters, despite their disappointment, rose to their feet, offering a respectful ovation for the sheer quality of the goal. This was football at its purest, a moment of individual brilliance that transcended national loyalties and reminded everyone why they loved the beautiful game.
For the final fifteen minutes, the match settled into a blur of controlled Spanish possession and defensive solidity. Finland, deflated by the spectacular goal that had made it 3-0, offered little resistance as Spain comfortably saw out the victory.
