Germany coach Joachim Low admitted Spain deserved to beat his side in the Euro 2008 final in Vienna.
He said after the 1-0 defeat: "Spain played better, we couldn't match their level. We did not play at our best.
"We will analyse over the next couple of days what went wrong and work on that for the near future.
"Spain played very well during whole tournament and they were technically excellent. We had no answer after Spain found their rhythm."
But Low had praise for Germany after they battled their way through to another major final.
He said: "I have to compliment the team for what they have achieved over the past few weeks.
"It has been fantastic. The players are obviously disappointed, but they have every reason to hold their heads up high."
The defeat was another bitter blow for Germany captain Michael Ballack, who added the loss in the Euro 2008 final to reverses in two Champions League finals as well as being suspended for the 2002 World Cup final in Japan.
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"This tournament has come at the end of the season and physically it has been tough. However we have made too many errors in this match." Germany midfield man Thomas Hitzlsperger expressed his sympathies for Ballack, and added: "We are all disappointed, he has played in many finals and lost some of them.
"Hopefully we can get him in another final in two years time, he has that quality to lift the side."
Meanwhile, Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann believed referee Roberto Rosetti was biased and criticised the Italian over two decisions that went against his side.
"He clearly saw a head-butt from a Spanish player (David Silva) towards Lukas Podolski - he didn't book him or give him a red card," said the former Arsenal player.
"Just before the end, we had a good chance in the penalty area - and all of a sudden, he gave a foul against us where even the Spanish players were surprised to get a free-kick. It was very disappointing."
"He was very arrogant and in my opinion he was biased."
The 38-year-old added: "This was my last European Championship match. That's why losing is so hard to bear at this moment."
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