Spain crowned World champions after 1-0 extra time win over Holland

By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports

South Africa, Sunday, July 12, 2010 — The Euro 2008 title was supposed to be the finest moment in Spanish football. Tonight the Spain national football team went one better by winning their first ever World Cup after Andres Iniesta hit an 116th-minute extra-time winner.

Spain started their campaign in the worst possible fashion by losing 0-1 to Switzerland, but they bounced back perfectly with six straight wins.

Both sides could not be separated in regulation time.

Spain went close as early as the fourth minute when Sergio Ramos’ header from a Xavi Hernandez free kick was denied by a brilliant reflex save by Maarten Stekelenburg. David Villa then fired another volley into the side netting on 11 minutes.

Arjen Robben created a great opening for the Dutch on the stroke of half time as he cut inside his marker before releasing a shot from 20m that was saved by Iker Casillas.

Robben then wasted the best opportunity of the match on 54 minutes when he was set well through on goal by a Wesley Sneijder through pass but his shot was saved by the trailing leg of Casillas.

The Spaniards introduced winger Jesus Navas on the hour mark and the substitution proved to be an inspired one as his enterprise on the right flank created many openings.

On 69 minutes Johnny Heitinga failed to clear a Navas right-wing cross but David Villa’s follow-up was well blocked by Joris Mathijsen.

Ramos then headed over from a Xavi corner eight minutes from time.

In the 30 minutes of extra time, the match remained cagey with both teams struggling to carve open each other’s defence.

Substitute Cesc Fabregas had a one-on-one opportunity on 95 minutes but his shot was blocked by the legs of Stekelenburg.

Holland were reduced to ten men on 109 minutes when Heitinga was sent off for a second bookable offence on Andres Iniesta.

It was no surprise that the Spaniards pounced on the opportunity to push forward for the winner which they duly got four minutes from time. A Fabregas pass set Iniesta through on goal and the Barcelona man did not disappoint as he clinically dispatched a half-volley past Stekelenburg. Despite getting a hand to it, the goalkeeper failed to keep it out.

It was an unwanted hat-trick for the Oranje as they finished runner-ups in all three of their Final appearances – in 1974, 1978 and this year. Meanwhile the Spaniards struck it lucky in their first Final appearance, emulating France’s feat in of winning two consecutive major competitions, the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 Euro Championship.

More News and Reactions
Video highlights of match
Daily Mail Online: Andres Iniesta is the King of Spain as cynical Holland fail in final
Match pictures

 Loading ...

 Loading ...