It’s been a long wait. 44 years in fact but Spain finally had reason to “salsa” after this morning’s 1-0 victory over Germany in the final of Euro 2008.

Few would argue Luis Aragones’ men were undeserving, freedom and confidence the hallmarks of Spain’s campaign.

David Villa, Iker Casillas and Cesc Fabregas all put in match winning performances throughout the tournament.

A cursory look at their record rams home the point.

Eight goals in their opening three group matches including a 4-1 thumping of Guus Hiddink’s Russia. A solid performance against world champions Italy who they previously hadn’t defeated in a competitive match in 88 years. A double dose of pain for Hiddink in the semis and a decisive goal from Fernando Torres in the final all ensuring the Red Furies had finally “arrived”.

In September, UEFA officials will decide whether to rubber stamp a suggestion to expand the tournament to 24 teams by 2016.

It’s a proposal the furthest thing on Spanish minds as the trumpets ring loud over Madrid.

The Socceroos learnt who their next 2010 World Cup qualification opponents would be on the long and winding road to South Africa.

While Japan remains the biggest hurdle of the four, Qatar showed on their day they can hurt any team.

Asian champions Iraq can certainly vouch for that. A recent loss in their final group match ensured they’ll be World Cup spectators rather than participants.

Indeed, the Socceroos themselves will be weary despite winning home and away against Qatar in their opening qualification group. As coach Pim Verbeek will likely tell you, Sebastian Soria Quintana’s first half rampage in Doha threatened more than once to torpedo Australia’s World Cup campaign.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans’ promise of a shake-up seems on the cards when Australia takes on France in their second test this Saturday.

The old “Wobblies” tag certainly seemed justified given Australia’s first half performance in Sydney at the weekend.

No question Deans will want to try all his options before the Tri-Nations opener against World Cup winners South Africa gets underway on July 19.

One just hopes those options will be viable.

Surprise, surprise.

Of the five Aussies in singles action at Wimbledon. 2002 winner Lleyton Hewitt remains the only one still standing after the first week.

The former world number one will need to draw on his legendary fighting qualities when he takes on Roger Federer in their fourth round clash on Monday night.

What will be interesting will be whether Federer’s slow but rapid slide to tennis oblivion will continue.

Blasted off the court by Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros and put to the sword by Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, it has indeed been an “Annus Horribilus” for the Fed Express.

Then again, five consecutive Wimbledon titles suggest it’s Hewitt who will be left pondering what may have been.