Carlos Marchena believes Spain are destined for the World Cup title, insisting the time for one of football's biggest underachievers has now come.

La Furia Roja have undoubtedly been the best team on the planet over the past 24 months, which began with their crowning as European champions. They came to South Africa as one of the favourites, and despite not looking entirely convincing, have progressed steadily through to the final where they now come up against Holland.

"I believe the history of football owes us this one," he said. "There have been great moments in our history where fortune did not end up on our side."