THE best team won, simple as, and thankfully we didn’t need the lottery of penalties to decide things.

For a while, I thought we would be celebrating a victory for the big, bad Dutchmen, who stood up to Spain instead of letting them pass round them in circles.

It might not have been pretty but there was something of the Sunday leaguer in me that cheered every time Mark van Bommel clattered into the heels of Andres Iniesta, sending him flying five feet into the air.

But the Barcelona man had the final laugh, even though you can point to a succession of excellent chances that should have done the trick much before his strike in the 116th minute.

It has been a good World Cup but not a great one. Here’s my best XI.

Manuel Neuer: I knew nothing about him before the tournament but he’s made more saves and fewer mistakes than anyone else in a tournament that hasn’t favoured the keepers. Honourable mention must also go to Ghana’s Richard Kingson too.

Phillip Lahm: I can’t remember any left-winger beating him. Immaculate in possession and a fine leader for the Germans in the absence of Michael Ballack.

Joan Capdevilla: Plays almost like a left winger but is a vital cog in the Spanish side. The Villareal defender is so comfortable on the ball, and his crossing has been superb.

Arne Friedrich: Known more as a full-back before the tournament, the German defender has barely put a foot wrong alongside Per Mertersacker in the middle.

Gerard Pique: Has taken so many bumps and bruises, yet shown himself to be so much more than a centre-half. Why did Manchester United let him go again?

Mesut Ozil: The Marty Feldman clone has all the tools to become the next Lionel Messi. His intelligence on and off the ball has helped the Germans become the most exciting team in the competition.

Wesley Sneijder: The poster boy of the World Cup has had a few strokes of good fortune but it would be great to see him playing in the Premier League next season.

Xavi: Almost incapable of losing the ball. Sums up the Spanish mentality perfectly and probably the best midfielder in the world right now.

Thomas Mueller: The conqueror of England has been one of the finds of the tournament. His four goals have propelled the Germans into the semis, and his absence against Spain was felt acutely.

Diego Forlan: Scored all sorts of goals and seemed to be the only striker who has fully got to grips with the dreaded Jabulani. Why did United get rid of him again?

David Villa: He might resemble Pike from Dad’sArmy, but the newly purchased Barcelona striker is a pure predator.