World Cup football champion Spain is ranked #1 in the FIFA rankings for September. It’s just the latest accomplishment in a golden year of international sporting success for the Spaniards. Earlier this week, in New York, Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal won his first U.S. Open title to complete a career Grand Slam, i.e., winning all four of the major tournaments.

Also in 2010, Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador won his third Tour de France title, another coup for the country in a yearlong sporting fiesta on the international stage.

One of Spain’s only major sporting disappointments this year was its national team failing to defend its title at the recent world basketball championship tournament in Turkey. The Spaniards lost to Serbia in the quarterfinals.

And, there could be more sporting celebrations to come in Spain. Spanish race car driver Fernando Alonso won the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, and is in contention for a third Formula One title.

That’s why when it comes to Spain and sporting success in 2010, you simply have to say, “fantastico!”