Alonso slams De Jong

Even De Jong accepts he was fortunate not to be sent off by referee Howard Webb after catching Alonso with an awful first-half tackle.

The Netherlands midfielder planted his studs into the Real Madrid man's chest and left him needing treatment before he was able to continue.

Alonso was still in pain long after the final whistle and fears he may have broken a rib.

Clearly, the 28-year-old was not impressed by De Jong's conduct.

"It was one of the worst tackles I have ever suffered," he said.

"It was a tight game, there was respect from both sides and they had to close us down.

"But that challenge was really hard. It was one of the most painful tackles in my life and it was hard to play on.

"I have probably broken a rib, although I am not too worried about that."

Reigning European champion Spain has now become the third side, after West Germany and France, to hold both tournaments at the same time.

No country has ever managed three on the trot, which will be Spain's task in two years' time at Euro 2012. It has already been installed as the bookmakers' favourites to complete a memorable hat-trick.

Alonso accepts there is plenty of work ahead of his team-mates before then but the raw talent is certainly there.

"Right now is not the time to think about the future, but of course the basics are there with this team," he said.

"The style is there, the mentality is there and the team spirit is there.

"If we keep working in this way many more big things may come."