Fernando Torres believes Spain will dominate world football for years to come after breaking their big-time jinx.

Spain have been branded perennial under-achievers after falling short at a host of major tournaments, failing to reach a major final in 24 years.

However, their 3-0 win over Russia meant they would face Germany in the Euro 2008 final in Vienna.

Torres said: “This was a really important game. Our team always had a lot of class but what we lacked was the ability to show it at the highest level in these tournaments. Now we are doing that.

“We are confident but of course we’re not taking for granted that we’re going to win against Germany.

“They are a rival. They know how to win and are used to winning. They know how to play those big games and are the favourites.

“We have absolute respect for Germany but we have to go to the final believing that if we play like we have up to now we can beat them.”

Torres believes the future belongs to this formidable Spain squad as the players have an average age of just 24 years old.

The Liverpool striker added: “We know we made history but we also know we can do more in the future.

“We are very proud to play the final and against Germany, who are a great rival.

“I hope the best is yet to come. I think it’s a huge success that Spain are in the final after such a long time but we are not satisfied with that. We want to be champions.”

The Liverpool idol added: “The experience of the Germans and the fact they played so many finals since we last reached a final ourselves is something that could play an important role.

“But, on the other hand, we have the hunger and the desire to finally win something.

“We have reached the final but nobody remembers the runners up. We want to be champions and make the whole world talk about us — at least until the next European Championships in four years.”

Torres said of Fabregas, who was most likely to take the place of the injured David Villa: “Cesc has shown he’s a great player, a massive player for us and he was the difference between us and Russia in the semi-final.

“He knows how to control the rhythm of a game and to have a player of this level is very important.

“It’s true that our manager has a tremendous dilemma now about his midfield. But it’s a good one to have, to be able to choose players and have fantastic players on the bench that can come on and change a game.”

Torres added: “We know how the Germans are. We have to learn from our game against Italy, who are also a team that win tournaments.

“We have to keep calm and try and exploit our opportunities to cause them damage.”

Despite some barnstorming displays at Euro 2008, Torres has so far scored only once — in the 2-1 group victory against Sweden.

Yet he added: “I’m not disappointed not to score. I am happy to be in the final and with the work I did for the team.

“We are where we wanted to be. We’re in the final of the Euro and now we have the chance to be champions. We must take it.”