Spain’s press have pulled apart the side they’ve eulogised for six years, with commentators asking if the Dutch trouncing heralds the end of an era.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is back in training after injury.

Uruguay’s Diego Forlan received the Golden Ball award as the Player of the Tournament after scoring five goals in seven Soccer World Cup matches.

The chants of "Campeone! Campeone! that rang through the bowels of Soccer City on Sunday night confirmed it: Spain are champions of the world.

Spain head to the Soccer World Cup in South Africa as one of the favourites to lift the trophy but that tag does not sit well with the team.

Spain beat Italy 4-2 on penalties after a goalless Euro 2008 quarterfinal on Sunday to end their shoot-out hoodoo and reach the last four.