plus i don't know how anyone can argue this spanish side isn't that good. they have one of the 3 best goalkeepers in the world (the other two being hart and buffon), they have the best defensive 4 in the world (though portugal's are good too), and they have--far, far, far and away--the best midfield in the world. i mean xavi, xabi alonso and iniesta on the same team?? fabregas as a substitute?? an embarrassment of riches...the only thing this team lacks is a good striker, and that's just because their usual striker was injured this year. besides, it hardly mattered in the end.

plus they have so much young talent--jordi alba, busquets, pedro--who will be the next generation of superstars.

it reminds me of brazil from 1994-2007 that won 2 world cups, got to the final of another and won 4 copa americas. every time the stars of one team stepped down, there were new ones just as good to take their places, as if there was a depthless well of talent to pull from. well it did end eventually, as will spanish dominance.

but it doesn't look like that's going to end anytime soon. just like brazil, they won't win everything in their period of ascendency, but they are primed for at least a decade of top-level success, and i'd be shocked if this their swan song.