World Cup Final 2010 July - Spain 1 Holland 0
Soccer City Johannesburg South Africa
Well the better side won - thank goodness. This was not the best of finals. Spoilt by a Dutch side determined not to lose at any cost it seemed. The winner was football as the first half was ruined by a series of fouls and yellow cards and there was little flowing soccer. It was not good to watch and Holland hoped to score by the odd counter attack. The second half was a little better but all in all a really tough game to referee for Howard Webb. I just hope De Jong does not repeat his over zealous actions in the Premiership or he will be missing due to suspension!
All the VIPs were there -and it was good to see that ex President Nelson Mandela was able to make it
Not a bad trio to have on the bench
There was even support for referee Howard Webb and his two assistants
The 14 inch high solid gold World Cup is the target
Howard Webb tells the Dutch captain that he is going to send off only one of his players- surely not!!
Not an image I would have wanted to show - De Jong trying out his Kung Fu on Alonso. He was fortunate only to get a yellow card. He's been watching too many Jackie Chan movies!
Puyol gets clattered by Van Bommel
Iniesta's turn to get clattered by Van Bommel
Van Bronckhorst blocks off Ramos
Heitinga gets his first yellow catching Iniesta late
Both sides missed chances - Robben (above left) and Ramos (above right)
Inesta got a yellow card for taking it out on Van Bommel after he had been fouled
Despite being slightly pulled back Robben had another chance but failed to score
As time went on and extra time loomed neither set of fans were all that confident
Fabregas came on for Alonso on 87 minutes and when he had a shot saved late on Spanish fans were getting really worried
In extra time Heitinga pulled back Iniesta and got his second yellow card and then a red
With only four minutes away from spot kicks Iniesta settled the result with a good goal following good work by Fabregas
Inesta had been Spain's best player and he deserved the goal
The Dutch players constantly harassed the referee and I am sure that had this not been the final they would have had at least two players sent off before half time
In the end Howard Webb had to caution 13 players and send off one - surely a record for a final!
Sepp Blatter presents the World Cup to Spain's captain keeper Casillas
