NZ football fans hit by Euro 2012 outage

Spain's David Silva scores the opening goal during the Euro 2012 soccer championship final between Spain and Italy - a shot missed by Kiwi football fans. Photo / AP

Sky television viewers watching this morning's Euro 2012 final between Spain and Italy missed the game's first goal due to satellite problems.

Coverage of the match, won 4-0 by Spain, was hit by an interruption in the 13th minute and the picture was lost for approximately three minutes.

Unfortunately for Spanish fans, midfielder David Silva opened the scoring for the defending champions almost immediately following the outage.

When footage returned with Spain a goal to the good, the high definition picture had been replaced by standard definition and audio issues also plagued the remainder of the half.

Sky soon apologised for the fault via an onscreen message and viewers were able to see Silva's goal during halftime highlights.

Sky spokesperson Kirsty Way said the problem was out of their hands and broadcasters in other parts of the world were also affected.

"It was a real shame and, unfortunately, one of those things that was completely out of our control," she said. "It was very disappointing but, with satellites in the world of broadcasting, these things do happen."

One relief for both Sky and football fans was the Spanish - masters of the 1-0 win - adding to their lead three further times.

"It could have been worse, but it could've been a lot better," Way said.