The Netherlands might have failed to win last night’s World Cup final but one news agency at least seemed determined to lift Dutch spirits.

In a “there but for the grace of god” moment CBS announced on its news website that Netherlands, not Spain, had won last night's World Cup final.

Which no doubt must have come as something of a surprise to Spain coach Vincent Del Bosque and his men, after they became the first team since West Germany 36 years ago to follow up winning the European Championship by lifting World football’s greatest prize.

In what was clearly a mistake CBS had pre- prepared reports for a Spain or Holland victory to cover either eventuality, and then published the wrong one , minus any actual score. Spain won 1-0 thanks to an Andres Iniesta goal in extra-time.

But its headline was sure to have been revisionist music to the ears of the desolate Dutch who had high hopes their team could finally lift the trophy that has evaded them on twice previously.

“The Netherlands Wins First World Cup and Ends 22 Year-Streak Without A Title Of Any Kind,” it screamed.

Sadly for the Dutch they didn’t, and they haven’t, and the elusive search for World Cup glory goes on.

But at least Dutch fans now know news of their triumph would have been reported had they prevailed. Even if for only a fleeting moment the link now having been removed and Spain accorded their rightful place as World champions.

Twice the bridesmaid never the bride, Holland had lost out in the final in 1974 and 1978 and expectations were high that coach Bert Van Marwijk could at last deliver the dream.

He couldn’t. But CBS could. And Dutch fans who saw the report must today be left wondering: “If only?”, as they cry into their beer while the whole of Spain prepares to party for another night after the team arrived back.

Reports that CBS credited Ally MacLeod's Scotland squad with victory in Argentina 1978 are, however sadly, wildly exaggerated.