FIFA '10 Champions : SPAIN
In a testy, often ill-tempered final that was further ruined by English referee Howard Webb whose trigger-happy fingers pulled out a total of 14 yellow cards and one red and awarded free kicks at the slightest provocation, Andres Iniesta – struck a dramatic winner with just four minutes to go in extra time to give Spain their first FIFA World Cup and burdened the Dutch with their third loss.
The Dutch
were visibly upset and angry over Webb’s failure on several occasions during the match.The Spanish could not be denied as overall they looked the better side and played the more attractive football although any rhythm to the game was often interrupted by Webb’s whistle with one football fan claiming his performance in the match was even worse than the England team in the World Cup itself.
Despite playing with ten men after a tacky second yellow card resulted in the sending off of John Heitinga the Dutch had their chances but failed to make them count.
The Dutch, who lost in the 1974 and 1978 finals, were bidding to become the first side since Brazil in 1970 to go through qualifying and the World Cup unbeaten.
It was from a deft through ball by the Arsenal midfielder Fabregas that Iniesta struck as Spain became the first team to win a World Cup after losing their opening game of the tournament.
Statistics showed that Spain also became the first team to win to World Cup having scored the least number of goals with only eight in seven matches.
If anything the finals was a comparative disappointment after Spain dominated possession in the opening minutes and seemed to have rattled a nervous Dutch backline. Ramos almost put them ahead after just four minutes but for his thunderous header.
While there was some obvious justification for referee Webb’s yellow card splurge with some nasty tackles it was hard to understand his failure to give Nigel de Jong a straight red card after he planted his boot in the chest of Xabi Alonso.
The bookings continued after the break and the contest occasionally threatened to boil over as the tension appeared to affect the players.
When Heitinger became the fifth man to be sent off in a World Cup final after he pulled back Iniesta on the edge of the area, Webb had little choice but to hand him a second caution - a move which spurred Spain on for a final effort.
Joris Mathijsen headed over for the Netherlands in what was their only good chance of extra-time before Iniesta struck his late and decisive blow. Spain was through...
But there was more. The Football World had allied with Spain this time.
With Cannavaro in the stands, the latter lifted the heavy cup four years ago, Casillas screamed champions!. In the hands of Blatter, at 23:17 hours, and all players wearing the champion’s star on the chest, on the shield, Spain showed the world that is the best. Holland was a great runner. It would have been perhaps a fair champion, but much less than the other two times when the glory was denied. And not just champion as Spain. Without the noise of others, firmly, and soccer style, stood in the final and became champion. In Holland, as well, football is what would have appreciated less.
With Cannavaro in the stands, the latter lifted the heavy cup four years ago, Casillas screamed champions!. In the hands of Blatter, at 23:17 hours, and all players wearing the champion’s star on the chest, on the shield, Spain showed the world that is the best. Holland was a great runner. It would have been perhaps a fair champion, but much less than the other two times when the glory was denied. And not just champion as Spain. Without the noise of others, firmly, and soccer style, stood in the final and became champion. In Holland, as well, football is what would have appreciated less.
Thanks Spain. Thanks Paul. Thank you fans, thank you for everything.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup Final officially ends with the victory of Spain
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