Spain’s World Cup-winning football squad won the prestigious Prince of Asturias prize for sport yesterday for a victory that “made history”, the jury announced.

The team delivered Spain’s first ever World Cup win, overcoming the Netherlands 1-0 in the July 11 final with a goal just four minutes before the end of extra-time by Andres Iniesta.

Coming on the heels of their Euro 2008 victory, it “has become one of the milestones of Spanish sport internationally,” the Prince of Asturias jury said in a statement.

The 23-man squad beat 17 other candidates. The award includes a stipend of €50,000 and a sculpture by Joan Miro.

Eight Prince of Asturias awards are granted each year in categories including arts, literature, communications, sports and scientific research.

Named after Spain’s Crown Prince Felipe, they are presented each year in Oviedo in a ceremony broadcast live in Spanish television.

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