Del Bosque aligned the same starting 11 that he used in the opening 1-1 Group C draw against Italy, and despite routing Ireland, 4-0, and beating Croatia, 1-0, scrutiny followed. The world champions then beat France, 2-0, and Portugal in a semifinal shootout after a 0-0 tie, and the murmurs continued.
There was no argument on Sunday, however, as Spain showed its intent to silence the critics straight from kickoff with Silva capping a goal that involved all four players in the 14th minute.
"Everyone has his own opinion, way of seeing things. We're not here to say if this is the best way of playing or not," Iniesta said. "We were at a high level and true to our style."
The term tiki taka has followed Spain since its Euro 2008 triumph in Vienna four years ago and Spain used its attractive passing game to keep the ball and phase their opponents out of the game.
"What we do is difficult, but we make it look easy. It wasn't a walk in the park," Spain captain Iker Casillas said. "We knew that when you slip just a little but, people are there to criticize you. Now we have to enjoy this moment that will last a lifetime."
On the first goal, Xavi gathered at midfield and fed Iniesta on the run, with the Spain playmaker threading a ball to Fabregas. But instead of taking a shot, Fabregas carried his run deep to the goal line before crossing back for Silva to head home.
Xavi, who admitted he hadn't been at his best in Poland and Ukraine, rebounded against Italy as he put Jordi Alba clear on goal with a perfect through ball in the 41st, and the left back scored his first goal with a low shot to the left.
"We deserved it, we were superior," Xavi said. "We played a complete game and perhaps the best of the entire European Championship. We made history and now we have to enjoy it."
When Italy was reduced to 10 men following the injury of Thiago Motta in the 64th with no substitutes available, the Azzurri had no chance as Spain controlled through its passing with substitutes Fernando Torres and Juan Mata adding late goals.
Del Bosque started with Fabregas, who usually plays an attacking midfield role for Barcelona. He led Spain's attack three times at the tournament. While Torres' late goal ensured he was the tournament's top scorer, it was with Fabregas as a roving center forward that Spain played with the most confidence.
"I don't think there's one way of playing football. You have to find a way to score," Del Bosque responded when asked if his tactical decisions had changed football. "We have very intelligent players who we can trust. It's a balanced team and we have total confidence in our players."
