Spanish PM sets sights on World Cup after Euro 2008 win

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is dreaming of glory for Spain at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after his side beat Germany 1-0 to win Euro 2008, its first major title in over 40 years.

“They deserved to win and this is only the beginning. The best is yet to come. We have to go for the World Cup now,” he told private Spanish television Cuatro from Vienna, Austria after congratulating the squad.

“I am happy, really happy. Its a privilege because I believe I am the first premier of the democratic era who has presided over a title win. My generation had the right to enjoy seeing its national team win a championship like this,” he added.

Spain last lifted the European Cup in 1964, when right-wing General Francisco Franco ruled the country with an iron grip, with victory over the former USSR in what was its only triumph at a major tournament to date.

Spain was ranked fourth in the world by FIFA before the Euro 2008 final while Germany was ranked fifth.