NGO worker Elisenda Siguerola felt some people were playing up the Spain unity theme.

"One thing is football and another is politics," said Siguerola, "even though politicians try to mix the two."

Contributing to enthusiasm from unlikely places was the fact that several of Spain's best players are from Catalonia -- Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique. The team also included superstar Xabi Alonso, from the Basque region.

In Bilbao, Alejandro Munoz said his daughter was wearing a Spanish national team jersey on Monday, but noted that "she also has a Basque one."

"I think the celebrations in the Basque region should be seen as normal and will improve relations between the region and Spain," said Munoz, 48.

Other Basques, like 29-year-old Aitor Elexpuru, said Spanish politicians against greater Basque autonomy would use the win for political purposes.

"A lot people wanted Spain to win so they could show the Spanish jersey and flag to those of us who don't feel Spanish," he said. "They wanted Spain to win, but not for football."

The victory, however, brought at least some Spaniards from diverse backgrounds together, meaning it accomplished "unfinished business for Spain, so it's been good for everyone," said Soledad Gonzalez, 51, a security guard from Madrid.

She added: "I hope that, God willing, finally, the Spanish flag means being Spanish and not being a fascist, as was the case not so long ago."

During the dictatorship of Gen. Francisco Franco (1939-1975), Catalans, Basques and others were forbidden from speaking their languages and it was illegal to publish books in those languages. Spain did not change its flag after become a democracy.

More news

Gary Bogdon / Getty Images

Donovan delivers

Landon Donovan returned to the U.S. national team following an eight-month absence and scored his first international hat trick in five years, leading the Americans over Scotland 5-1 in a friendly Saturday night.

NBC Sports

Highlights: Donovan leads US in rout

  Landon Donovan's hat trick helps the U.S. to a convincing 5-1 win over Scotland.

Headlines

• Label

Highlights: Donovan leads US in rout

Plenty to like about US team after rout

Beckham, LA fall short in latest loss  |  Highlights

Davis helps Dynamo defeat Galaxy

Agudelo, Chivas USA earn draw with Sounders

Real Salt Lake still rolling  |  Rapids win

United knock off Revolution  |  Crew defeat Fire

Whitecaps FC rally for draw vs. Timbers

Roundup: Spain wins, Germany loses

Hodgson's England reign starts with win at Norway