Congratulations to the world champions
Androulla Vassiliou, the European Commissioner responsible for sport, has congratulated the Spanish football team after their victory in the World Cup final against the Netherlands.
"I would like to warmly congratulate everyone associated with the Spanish football team after their extra-time victory in Sunday's World Cup final in Johannesburg. Vicente Del Bosque's team played with flair and determination throughout the tournament and nobody can deny that they deserved to triumph in the final after a hard-fought, nail-biting encounter.
Spain are very worthy world champions indeed. Their success is, of course, yet another manifestation of Spanish sporting excellence that seems to shine across so many disciplines at the moment, from tennis to cycling and basketball.
At the same time, I would also like to congratulate the Dutch and the German teams who helped to make this World Cup an unforgettable tournament for Europe.
I am a firm believer in the potential football has to achieve sustainable social development, and am certain that this World Cup will have a lasting impact on Africa. Finally, we should not forget to extend our gratitude to FIFA and our South African hosts for organising such a special tournament and naturally to all the players who give life to the beautiful game."
