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Spanish press hails ‘epic’ World Cup win

Spanish newspapers on Monday hailed Spain’s “epic” and “historic” first ever World Cup win.

“Champions of the world,” top-selling daily El Pais said on its front page above a photo of keeper Iker Casillas holding the trophy above his head as he stood surrounded by his teammates.

“The national team has consolidated the leadership of a dazzling generation,” it added.

The newspaper called the 1-0 extra-time win over the Netherlands in Johannesburg the “epic which was missing from Spanish sports, which has lived in glory following a cascade of successes.”

“Champions,” wrote right-wing newspaper ABC on its front page below a similar photo of Casillas holding the trophy.

“It is the biggest success in the history of Spanish football, a title which when added to other no less relevant titles, places Spain in the leadership of the major spanish sports like basketball, tennis, cycling or motorcycle racing,” it added in an editorial.

“From here to eternity,” wrote centre-right daily El Mundo on its front page.

With four mibutes from the final whistle, Andres Iniesta collected a pass from Cesc Fabregas to fire home from close range and win the World Cup, sparking all-night celebrations across Spain.

Until this year, the best Spain — winners of the 2008 European Championships — had managed at the World Cup was the quarter-finals.