Review: The Final: Netherlands v Spain

Netherlands v Spain, Soccer City, Johannesburg

The First Half

Spain started stronger, with the ball a lot, and the Dutch never really getting a hold. In the 5th minute, a brilliant delivery from Xavi, and a diving header from Sergio Ramos, which produces a good save from Stekelenburg. The 11st minute had Ramos forward again, where he broke behind, tried to shoot, but it was cleared by Heitinga 2 yards off the line. Nearly an own goal. Just a minute later, David Villa at the back post, and hits the outside netting. It was a great start for the Spanish. In the 15th, van Persie was booked for a late challenge on Capdevila. Two minutes after that, Puyol is shown yellow for a late tackle on Arjen Robben. Then, bookings for Ramos and van Bommel in the 22nd and 23rd minutes. Another yellow, this time for De Jong, and that could have, and should have been red. He karate kicks Xabi Alonso right in the chest. Reckless. Casillas misjudged a ball in the 34th, but recovered, and only a corner came of it. And in the 37th, Sneijder lays it well for Matijsen, who embarrassingly completely misses the ball. Casillas with a very good save in added time from a shot from Robben. 0.0 at the half.

The Second Half

In the 48th, Puyol leaped from a corner just as he did against Germany, but didn't get great contact, and a goal kick. Van Brockhorst was booked in the 54th, for shoving Ramos off the ball. Heitinga then goes into the book for a challenge on Villa two minutes later. 60th minute substitution: Jesus Navas on for Pedro. 62nd minute, and Robben is in behind everyone, but Casillas makes himself big and gets a foot to it. Best chance of the match. 67th minute and Capdevila is cautioned. Villa at the back post in the 69th, and he should have scored. Good save from Stekelenburg. 70th minute, and Elia replaces Kuyt. In the 77th minute, a free header to Sergio Ramos on the six from a corner, but somehow puts it over. Iniesta appeared to be in behind in the 80th minute, but a very good challenge from Sneijder. Robben looks in behind as he holds off Puyol, but Casillas comes out to claim it just in time. He felt he was fouled, and so he picks up a yellow for arguing. 86th: Fabregas on for Xabi Alonso. Now full time, and still 0.0. 15 minutes each way, then penalties looming.

Extra time

92nd, and Fabregas looks to brought down in the area, no call then Xavi is brought down, but Howard Webb just signals corner kick. In the 96th, a corner to the Dutch, and Matijsen heads over from close range. Substitution, van der Vaart for De Jong. Then in the 100th, Navas' shot is deflected, and hits the outside netting. Very close for the Spaniards. Braafeid on for van Bronckhorst in the 105th. Scoreless after 105 minutes. Final 15 minutes to decide it, or penalties. 106th minute, and Torres on for Villa? 109th minute, Netherlands are reduced to 10! Heitinga brought down Iniesta for his second yellow. Went down very easily, Iniesta. Van der Weil is given yellow for taking down Iniesta. 115th, and a free kick for Holland. Sneijder takes, and it deflects wide, but Webb gives a goal kick! Then Torres in the 116th, tried to play it through to Iniesta, but blocked, fell for Fabregas, who found an onsides Iniesta in behind, who takes one touch before SMASHING IT PAST STEKELENBURG TO PUT THE SPANISH AHEAD!!!!!! WHAT A FINISH! Iniesta goes into the book for removing his shirt, while Matijsen is booked for arguing. 120th minute, and Xavi kicks the ball away. He gets booked as well. Then a through ball to Torres, but he pulls up and goes down. Looked like a bad hamstring injury. BUT THE FINAL WHISTLE COMES, AND SPAIN ARE FINALLY WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!! Another final ending in disappointment for the Netherlands.

The Celebrations

What a tournament, and what a way to end such an exciting one. It was the latest game winning goal ever scored in a World Cup Final, and the better team one. The Dutch go up first, but not happy at all, as they receive their silver medals. Now the Spanish, they rush up the stairs, receive their medals, and look at the 18-karat gold trophy. And Iker Casillas lifts the cup, and Spain are champions! The celebrations would go long into the night and back to Spain following. The Dutch can only watch, what an ending. Iniesta the hero, and Spain win Euro 2008, and now World Cup 2010!