Spain’s annihilation of Russia (sorry Ivan) has sent the centre of Torrevieja into a total frenzy. Hours after the match ended 3-0 to Spain an impromptu cavalcade of neverending cars are still cruising down the main roads with horns blaring, flags waving, klaxons sounding. Guys sitting on the roofs of moving 4×4s banging drums - unbelievable! The Policia Local and Guardia Civil are also in the procession but not making as much noise. Others are clapping and cheering from their terrace balconies in buildings bedecked with Spanish flags.

I would guess things are pretty quiet in Moscow, but here happy smiling victorious Spanish are partying the night away. You could be forgiven for thinking that they had already won the final. Another sleepless night, but who cares?

Many have watched the match sitting outside bars in the cool evening air with the televisions set up on tables outside. But the town is not full of drunks - just happy smiling people enjoying the moment. The Spanish like to move outside when the heat sets in. My neighbours block the pavement to socialise with each other until late into the night, football or no.

So the Spanish dream rolls on - perhaps it is not a dream - the football they played tonight was fantastic and maybe even the Germans are worried that they are going to have their work cut out come Sunday night when the final will be played. My next big decision is where to watch it.

My brother-in-law phoned from Madrid after the match, asking me if I wanted to see the final in Madrid. Tempting, but after tonight’s performance there is going to be a hell of a party in Torrevieja so I think I will play at home.