By Paul Brown

Carlos Cuellar was absolutely thrilled to see Spain win the World Cup - and insisted their triumph has made him even more determined to force his way into the classy squad.

Cuellar missed out on the 23-man party for South Africa but is desperate to star for his country in the future.

He'd love to play in front of Iker Casillas - a goalkeeper he rates as the "best in the world" after his heroics in this summer's showpiece.

In fact, Cuellar believes Spain's defence was the foundation for their success, having conceded a mere two goals throughout the tournament.

He said: "I thought before the game it would be easier for Spain - but it was really hard in the end.

"Spain had been playing well but so had Holland.

"In the end, I think we deserved the victory because we were the better team. It was fully merited.

"It was a fantastic achievement. I am proud of the lads and delighted. They have been terrific throughout the World Cup.

"The defence were tremendous. They worked really hard to concede only two goals. That was the most important element of winning in my opinion.

"I think we have the best goalkeeper in the world too. In that final match, he was great.

"Every game he plays, he always stands out. The whole team deserves it though because they all played magnificently.

"I don't know how close I was [to being selected]. I had contact with the Spanish Football Federation over the past year but it was always going to be tough to get in the squad because they were the European champions.

"I want to play for Spain. It will be even harder now but I will try my very best - strive with the same intensity and mentality to get in.

"I will keep going. I would love to be part of it."

Cuellar also revealed his countrymen went "crazy" in Birmingham city centre after the win - with several jumping in the canal in celebration.

He added: "After the goal, it went crazy. Everyone was really happy.

"I watched it in Walkabout with a host of Spanish people. They were crazy - they were jumping into the canal after the game. The atmosphere was really good.

"It was like being in Madrid."

Cuellar wasn't the only Spaniard to be in joyous mood at Bodymoor Heath today.

Academy goalkeeping coach Rafa Gonzalez - who wore his lucky shirt during the tournament - admitted he was in tears after seeing his country's triumph in Soccer City.

He insisted Spain were deserving winners for playing the game in the right manner during the final.

He added: "It's amazing. I am over the moon because being Spanish at the moment, you feel a little part of the success.

"I think everyone in football enjoyed the result because we deserved it. Years ago, we had bad luck in the latter stages of the tournament, going out in quarter-finals and things like that. This time, I was thinking it's now or never.

"After the success in the European Championships too, everyone from Spain was expecting big things. Fortunately we managed it.

"I watched the game at home with some Spanish friends. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the Spanish food. It was an unbelievable match with plenty of pressure and passion. It was so enjoyable.

"It was a great final and at the end an explosion of amazing feelings.

"I wore my lucky Spanish shirt. I bought it in Spain - one for me and one for my brother. I wore it in my local pub two years ago when we won the Euros and I thought I'd wear it for this one too - and we won it!

"Spain play with passion and in the end I think football won - the style was amazing.

"Football won with this victory. I started crying because when I saw the lads change their shirt to one with a star to represent the win - our first one - it was just amazing."