Andres Iniesta struck a dramatic winner late in extra time to give Spain World Cup glory for the first time but condemned the Netherlands to their third defeat in a final.
Spain, who conceded only two goals during the tournament, deserved their victory after gradually taking a grip on a tense and bad-tempered contest that produced 14 yellow cards with Johnny Heitinga sent off on 109 minutes after picking up a second yellow card.
They had a glorious chance to take the lead in the second half but Arjen Robben, could find no way past Spain captain Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos was equally culpable of a glaring miss for Spain when he headed over and substitute Fabregas, as with Robben before him, also failed to convert a one-on-one chance.
But apart from that I can only remember the constant fouling, the bickering and the showing of the yellow cards and a dismal first 45 minutes. Howard Webb, I thought had a good game under very trying circumstances.
Spain also became the team to win the World Cup having scored the fewest number of goals - finding the net eight times in their seven matches. The previous mark was held by three teams, including England in 1966. But that final eas a cliff hanger not like this one.
No comments:
Post a Comment