Spain reign in South Africa

Two years ago 204 nations began their quest for the 2010 World Cup.  On Sunday only Spain and Holland remained, both seeking their first ever title.  Spain were making their first ever final appearance while Holland had lost twice previously on the big stage.  The whole world was watching to see who would claim their first World Cup title.

Holland served notice in the opening minute that it was to be a mans match as Robin van Persie cracked Busquets. Five Spanish players hit the turf in the opening two minutes and all hopes of a free flowing and attacking game were out the window.  Spain soldiered on despite the rough tactics and Sergio Ramos forced Stekelenburg into a good save off a header.  We were 7 minutes in and Holland had not crossed midfield yet alone string together three passes.

Spain kept up the pressure as David Villa volleyed a cross into the side netting after a short corner.  As the match hit the twenty minute mark the Dutch were settling in a bit.  They were getting more of the ball and had weathered the early Spanish storm.  If anything the opening half was marked by crunching tackles rather than great soccer.  There were five yellow cards handed out, a couple of which could have been reds instead.

The last salvo of the opening half came from Holland when Arjen Robben forced Iker Casillas into a smart save and the match went to halftime scoreless.  Everything would be there for the taking in the final 45 minutes of play.

The second half opened with the Netherlands a bit brighter.  The first big chance came in the 62nd minute when Arjen Robben broke in 1v1.  Iker Casillas came out to close him down.  Robben send Casillas the wrong way, but Casillas drug his back foot and deflected the shot wide of goal.

Spain became stronger as the half progressed and looked to take the lead in the 70th when Navas put in a low cross that was deflected and fell perfectly for David Villa, but somehow Heitinga blocked the shot from the turf.  Spain were beginning to tighten the screws a bit searching for the winner. Shots were starting to come now and in the 77th Sergio Ramos found himself unmarked on a corner where he fired his header over the bar.  Spain had missed their best chance of the match.

Arjen Robben almost stole the match for Holland six minutes from time as he outraced the Spain defense beating Puyol and Pique, but Casillas was once again up to the task taking the ball off his foot.  The game was heading to extra time scoreless.

Spain came out buzzing in the extra period and five minutes in Fabregas was alone in on goal, but once again a goalkeeper stood tall as Stekelenburg went down to save.  Soon after Navas got in only to see his shot deflected off the side netting.  Spain clearly had intentions of winning through the run of play rather than penalties.  In the 109th a nifty combination between Iniesta and Xavi sent Iniesta in.  Heitinga sensed the danger and dragged Iniesta down earning his second yellow and a trip to the showers.  The Netherlands were forced to finish with 10 men.

Spain would find their deserved winner in the 116th minute.  Navas started a counterattack as Holland scrambled back.  Fabregas found the ball at the top of the box where he slid a pass to the wide open Iniesta who touched and fired past Stekelenburg for the Spain glory. They had their winner and it was deserved.  The best team in the world over the last two years were World Cup champions.