Spain's success at Euro 2008 brought them only their second international trophy and first since 1964, and ended years of disappointment and failure for one of the game's biggest football nations.

The kings of qualifying - since 1978 Spain have reached the finals of every World Cup and European Championship except Euro 92 - Spain had earned a reputation for struggling to fulfil their undoubted potential when it really mattered.

Prior to their win in Austria and Switzerland two years ago, Spain had only progressed beyond the quarter-final stage of a major tournament on three occasions - winning the European Championships in 1964, finishing runners-up 20 years later and coming fourth at the 1950 World Cup.

Considering the talent they have had at their disposal down the years, that was a remarkably poor record and one of the main reasons why Spain went into Euro 2008 as only dark horses to lift the title - despite almost certainly boasting the best squad.

It is a different story now though and, for many, the battle to be crowned world champions will be a contest between the Spanish and five-time winners Brazil, with the likes of England, Argentina and Germany also pushing hard.

Spain can do little about the expectations that have now been placed on them, but playmaker Xavi hopes things can be kept in perspective.

"It's good that people have faith in us but Spain have never done anything at the World Cup," said the Barcelona midfielder, who was named player of the tournament at Euro 2008.

"We cannot put more pressure on ourselves for having won the European Championships and because we've been installed as bigger favourites than other teams who have won the World Cup on previous occasions."

Striker Fernando Torres added in AS: "We are considered one of the big favourites, that's inevitable, but I also remember that in the European Championships in Portugal (2004) and in the World Cup in Germany (2006) we were also classed among the favourites without deserving it.

"Spain are always there among the favourites. This isn't what we tell ourselves, it's what others tell us and we can't escape this tag.

"We'd like not to have this tag but we have it and we need to get on with it."

It is not just Spain's success at Euro 2008 that has led to expectations rocketing. There is also their phenomenal form over the last few years.

Since losing at home to Romania in a friendly in November 2006, Spain have rattled up an astonishing 42 victories - including two after extra time - in 45 matches, with just one defeat.

Ten of those victories came during World Cup qualifying as Spain joined a select group of teams to book their spot in the finals with a 100% record.

Even a change of coach immediately after the European Championships failed to slow Spain's charge, with new boss Vicente Del Bosque winning 22 of his opening 23 matches after replacing Luis Aragones.

The only setback in all that time was at last summer's Confederations Cup when Spain lost 2-0 to the United States in the semi-finals, a loss which ended their world-record 15-game winning streak and 35-match unbeaten run.

That was a shock defeat, but captain Iker Casillas felt it could be a blessing in disguise when looking at the bigger picture.

"You have to say that what happened at the Confederations Cup was good for us because it made us see it's good to keep our feet on the ground, which isn't going to be easy," said the Real Madrid goalkeeper.

However, while it may have been an unforgettable three years for the Spanish, the waters could get a little choppy from here on in as they seek to add the world crown to their European title.

One concern for Del Bosque, as it will be for all international coaches, is the threat of injuries to key players, with stars such as Torres, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas all sidelined towards the end of the domestic season.

Del Bosque admitted: "We can't go there with five or six men wrapped in cotton wool."

The other problem is the draw that Spain have been given in South Africa.

They should have few problems getting through the group stages having been drawn with Chile, Honduras and Switzerland, but they are then likely to face a huge obstacle in the last 16.

Depending how results go, Spain are set to face either Brazil, Portugal or Ivory Coast for a place in the quarter-finals.

Del Bosque is taking nothing for granted though, even with their group rivals, saying: "We have very strong opponents in front of us and at the World Cup there are no small teams.

"We have to be very focused to avoid being surprised by Switzerland, Chile or Honduras. A very tough tournament awaits us."