Checking their phones and sending messages to friends and family, the Spain players initially fell silent as they congregated in the dressing room, just minutes after lifting the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.

But when they caught sight of a television replay of the goal that beat the Netherlands they put down their phones and shouted as one, hailing the hero of the night. ?Grande Andres!? they cried in unison as the subject of their adulation took a well-earned seat in a corner of the dressing room while his team-mates danced and sang around him, passing the Trophy around, kissing it and having their photos taken with it too. Not even the appearance of Queen Sofia, Principe Felipe and Princesa Letizia, the three members of the Spanish royal family present at the Final, could bring the noise levels down.

Also joining in the celebrations, posing for a photo with the victorious squad, was tennis ace Rafael Nadal. Sporting a scarf and face paint and with a Spanish flag draped around his shoulders, the newly crowned Wimbledon champion was in emotional mood. ?I?ve been crying like a kid,? he admitted, his eyes still watery.

As they chanted ?Champions, champions?, the players then received a visit from another distinguished guest, the tenor Placido Domingo, who received warm applause from the new kings of world football.