Spain vs Netherlands - Iniesta scores winner
Spain is for the first time in its history, the new World Cup champions, after beating the Netherlands 1-0, with a goal scored by Iniesta only three minutes before the end of extra-time, when many thought the game would go into a penalty shoot-out.
Before the game started, Soccer City stadium erupted into light and music for the World Cup closing ceremony, with singers performing a medley of local music from urban hip-hop to cappella chorals. Colombian superstar Shakira performed her song Waka Waka, the tournament’s official anthem, with local band Freshlyground, as well as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a South African cappella act.
Former president Nelson Mandela and his wife Graça Machel got a standing ovation from a 95.000 strong crowd when they were wheeled into the stadium in a golf car, in a brief appearance at Soccer City.
Getting back to the game, Spain started off better, more determined and leaving no “breathing space” for Holland. Sergio Ramos could have opened the score after just five minutes with a header, stopped with a great save from goalkeeper Stekelenburg.
Soon after that “La Roja” had another dangerous play at 13 minutes when David Villa, free of marking in the Dutch area, shot against the side-netting.
The Netherlands took a while to free itself from the Spanish pressure and their initiatives in attacking were mostly timid. Suffice it to say that the only noteworthy shot came only during discount time, with Robben forcing Casillas to apply himself.
In the second half the physical availability of the players was not the same, where the pressure on the ball carrier being less intense and there was more room to play.
Robben (62) and David Villa (70) came very close to scoring, but did not have the art and skill needed to beat the goalkeeper. A header from Sergio Ramos (77), following a corner kick, could have broken the tie, and once again Robben was unable to beat Casillas, with the goal at his mercy.
The game ended in a draw in regular time and went into an extra 30 minutes where nothing changed in relation to the second half. Fabregas wasted a great opportunity to score when he isolated himself in front of keeper Stekelenburg who saved with his legs. Soon after that, Dutch midfielder Mathijsen missed the target narrowly with a header.
The final 15 minutes of extra time were marked by the expulsion of Heitinga for accumulation of yellow cards and, of course, the goal from Iniesta, that gave Spain their first victory in the World Championships by 1-0.
The Spanish national team made a double by adding today’s win in the 2010 Word Cup to the European Championship that they had won 2 years ago.
Once again Paul the Octopus got it right, making it eight out of eight correct predictions during this World Cup, and becoming a world wide celebrity in just a few weeks.
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