Xabi Alonso has revealed England's World Cup disaster served as a warning to Spain.

Former Liverpool midfielder Alonso says Spain saw what happened to Fabio Capello's men and it made them realise they are just one bad performance away from defeat.

Spain clinched their place in Sunday's final with a brilliant footballing exhibition against Germany and Vicente Del Boque's men are now odds-on favourites to add the World Cup to their Euro 2008 crown.

Real Madrid star Alonso said: “England had a very tough game and the expectations were very high. One bad game and you are out that is how it works in the World Cup.

“The role of the favourite doesn't give you any help, you have to justify and show it on the pitch and so far we are playing well and now we have a very tough game in the final against Holland.

“But Germany was the performance that we needed. We controlled the game and while it took longer than expected to score the goal we are really pleased. Now we have a chance to play in the final.”

Spain’s victory sets up a dream final with Holland with both bidding to win the World Cup for the first time.

But more than that, both teams try to play the beautiful game and Alonso says Spain are determined to win sticking to their playing philosophy.

Spain’s midfield duo Andres Iniesta and Xavi hit top gear for the first time in the semi final and Alonso says they can do the same against Holland.

Alonso said: “It is our style, we know how to play and the results have been good so we will stick with that idea. We are happy with the performance and one that we needed in the semi-final of a World Cup.

“The most important thing is to win the games, if you can score more goals it is much better but the way we are playing is good.

“We give so much to each other, to keep the ball, to believe in each other, to have options, to work hard in attack and defence because we know if we don’t do that 100 per cent we can have problems against any team.

“It is a privilege to be among this group of players, there is so much quality. There is a good atmosphere in the team and so far things are going smoothly. We are enjoying the moment and we want to do something massive for the whole country.

“I have always tried to give my best so I never worried that I would not find a way into the side. We have great competition and that is good for the team because it brings the best out of everyone.

“Whenever you are playing you have to be ready and whenever you are on the bench you have to believe you will come on. You have to support your team mate because that is part of football.”

Liverpool’s Spanish keeper Pepe Reina says Holland will pose a huge threat - and his Anfield team mate Dirk Kuyt in particular. But Reina, despite being number two to Iker Casillas, is determined to play his part.

Reina said: “We all know Dirk’s game. He does an awful lot of work and is so important for their team. He is a top class player. It’s going to be really tough for us to stop him because, as you know, he never stops running!

“I have already received a message from Dirk. I heard from him before and after the Germany game.

“It is a huge moment for the whole of Spain. We are one step away from winning the World Cup and that is what everyone wants.

“We have done already what no other team in the history of Spain has managed to do, so from that situation we can only win. Of course we want to win, but whatever happens in the final we can be proud of what we did.

“We know we are a group and that all 23 players are important. Only 11 and three subs can play, but all the rest of the players all we can do is just help the players who are playing.

“It is hard believe me, especially when you have hot blood and feel some passion for wanting to be out there. It is not nice sitting on the bench, but that is how it is. We have to respect the one who is playing.”