Netherlands goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenberg has been tested early, affirmatively answering a question from Sergio Ramos, the right back heading a Xavi Hernandez free kick on goal to be denied by the diving Dutch `keeper.
World Cup 2010 Final, Spain Vs. Netherlands: Maarten Stekelenburg Saves Dutch From Early Deficit
Forty yards up the right flank Ramos was fouled by Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the Dutch’s third foul in the first four minutes. Ramos nearly made them pay after he put Hernandez’s dead ball on goal, with Stekelenberg’s nice read of the play helping to keep the Dutch even in the 5th minute.
The teams, now in the 8th minute, have settled into the match, with Spain dominating possession despite strong pressure from the Dutch through the midfield as the Spaniards enter the Dutch half of the field.
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