I sat and watched the final last weekend with my 10-year-old daughter who previously has shown no interest in football, but enjoyed following England's progress in the World Cup. I'll be the first to admit I'd heard of none of Spain's players before this game but was hugely impressed. They are positive role models for young girls and I was keen for Little Miss BW to embrace this fact during the tournament.
Since last Sunday I've read and heard nothing about these Spanish players because the whole news agenda has been dominated by a middle-aged twat with a shocking sense of judgement during the biggest moment of their lives. This is a real shame and, notwithstanding the wider valid points you make, I'd argue has regrettably overshadowed their achievement.