Soccer Extreme : Spain on Sunday became the eighth nation ever the win the World Cup, defeating the Netherlands 1 - 0 in extra time.It was the first time Spain had ever been in a World Cup final and they won by sticking to their tried and trusted game plan and using relentless passing to wear down the Dutch defense.
The Dutch, who successfully disrupted the Spanish passing game for spells, were unable to take advantage of the few opportunities they created.
120 minutes of extra time
Goal!
Iniesta scores! An interchange of passes leaves Iniesta alone for just a moment in front of goal. He doesn't miss.
That looks like it will be it. Just a few more minutes to go.
115th minute of extra time
The Dutch are down to 10 men in the second half of extra time after John Heitinga was booked for pulling down Iniesta on a run toward the goal.
Xavi sends the free kick over the bar.
Oh and it's hardly worth mentioning but have just had another player booked. That means the Dutch have now received nine yellow cards this game.
But can the Spaniards capitalize on the Dutch deficit in the last seven minutes?
First half of extra time
The two sides trade incredible opportunities in the first half of extra time.
Cesc Fabregas hits the goalie when through on goal. He might have slid the ball sideways to a waiting teammate, but opts to shoot and the goalie saves.
Then, on the break, the Dutch miss a wide open goal off a header.
Things are a bit more open now. The tension is mounting.
Oh, and the Spanish miss another opportunity, with Iniesta through but failing somewhat miserably to get a shot off. It looks like he was trying to get the ball on to his right foot. While attempting that, Dutch defender van Bronkhorst took the ball off him.
Another nice break from Spain that ends with a shot from Jesus Navas deflected into the side netting. Nothing comes from the corner.
How will it all end?
Full time
The Dutch are clearly getting under the skins of the Spanish.
With about 12 minutes of regular time left, van Bommel makes
contact with Iniesta while going for the ball, but no foul is called. Iniesta, who clearly thinks he has been fouled, hip checks van Bommel after he gets up. Van Bommel goes flying as though a rope was attached to his feet. The referee tries to calm them down, but doesn't issue a booking to either player.Eight minutes to go, and it's all Spain, except just there, when Robben is once again through on goal. Carles Puyol impedes Robben's run but isn't called. Robben keeps charging but Casillas takes the ball cleanly from the feet of Robben. The Spanish are quite lucky there, or maybe it's more that Casillas is having the game of his life.
After the play, Robben runs screaming after the ref, and is booked for dissent.
I think that's seven yellow cards for the Dutch.
About three minutes left. (AFP)
Spain vs Netherlands HIGHLIGHTS Video: Spain beat Netherlands 1-0 on July 11, 2010 and SPAIN is the FIFA World Champion 2010!!!
Andres Iniesta scored in the extra time!!!