INIESTA CONFIDENCE IN SPAIN NEVER WAVERED

Spain's World Cup hero Andres Iniesta insists he was always confident his side could lift the trophy, despite enduring a turbulent season.

Midfielder Iniesta, who netted the extra-time winner for Spain in Sunday's World Cup final against Holland, was plagued by a thigh injury last term and only returned for Barcelona at the end of the campaign.

The 26-year-old then aggravated the problem during Spain's friendly win over Poland ahead of the South Africa tournament and was sidelined once again as Vicente del Bosque's side lost 1-0 to Switzerland in their opening group match. But Iniesta, who reappeared to play a key role in Spain's first World Cup triumph, claims he never doubted his side could land the world title.

Iniesta admits he has trouble putting into words how it felt to score the crucial goal for Spain that ensured their "priceless" win. Up until Sunday, Iniesta's most celebrated goal was an injury-time strike against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2009, sealing Barcelona's progression to the UEFA Champions League final, where they downed Manchester United. But the midfielder insists nothing compares to the feeling of helping secure World Cup success for his country.

Iniesta has also reiterated his desire to be reunited with Cesc Fabregas at Barcelona next season. The two combined to secure Spain's first-ever World Cup triumph on Sunday, with Fabregas' pass picking out Iniesta to score the extra-time winner against Holland.

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