World Cup 2010 Final, Spain Vs. Netherlands: Andres Iniesta Gives Spain First World Title

Andrés Iniesta scored the match’s only goal four minutes from penalty kicks, beating Maartin Stekelenburg into the left of goal to give Spain their first world title, 1-0 over the Netherlands in Johannesburg.

Iniesta took a pass to the right of goal from Cesc Fàbregas, who had put his teammate behind a Dutch line caught pushing-up and out of their penalty area. Stekelenburg came out to meet Iniesta and got a hand on the shot, but Iniesta’s half volley from ten yards out gave Spain the lead.

By that time, the Netherlands was playing a man down, having John Heitinga sent-off in the 109th minute after the Dutch defender denied Iniesta a scoring opportunity.

It was the theme of the night for the Dutch, who accumulated nine bookings in 120 minutes.

While the fouls will overshadow the Dutch performance, the Netherlands had two chances to win the match in regulations, second half breakaways for Arjen Robben that were denied by Iker Casillas. The first breakaway, created by a brilliant 30-yard ball from Wesley Sneijder that split Gerard Piqué and Joan Capdevila, let to a shot deflected wide by the Spanish captain. The second chance, created by Robben taking advantage of a Carles Puyol error, was swallowed-up by Casillas when the Dutch attacker played a bad touch in an attempt to allude Piqué.

Robben’s chances included, the match played out much like Spain’s other knockout round contests. Spain dominated possession, holding the ball for 63 percent of the match, yet could not finish their chances, starting with Sergio Ramos’s fifth minute header from within the penalty area that was saved by Stekelenburg. Spain had other good chances for Joan Capdevila, David Villa, and Cesc Fàbregas, with their best chance another header for Ramos, a chance off a corner from four yards out that the right back put over the bar.

Ultimately, Iniesta’s goal insured the better team won the match, with Spain continuing a three year reign as the world’s best team with their first World Cup.