Del Bosque on verge of coaching greatness

Spain's Vicente Del Bosque is two victories away from emulating West Germany's Helmut Schoen on Sunday, to date the only coach to win both the World Cup and the European Championship.

Del Bosque 61, took over from Luis Aragones after Euro 2008 and lifted the World Cup two years later after a relatively seamless transition owing to the respect of the squad for a man who twice conquered Europe with Real Madrid.

His success two years ago saw King Juan Carlos bestow the title of the first Marquis of Del Bosque in recognition of his achievements and now the moustachioed coach must conquer another summit - if Portugal can first be waylaid in the semifinals and then Germany or Italy dispatched in the final.