La Roja triumphs

Netherlands vs Spain - World Cup Final 2010,11 July 2010
Soccer City, Johannesburg

Thirty two nations, ten venues, 64 matches and a month long of football fever- all these came to an end on the 11th of July 2010 when Spain reigned supreme and lifted its maiden world cup title. The final between the Dutch and the Spaniards was deemed to be a tough one for both the sides. The Netherlands were the dark horses to win the tournament but Spain were indeed one among the favourites to win the tournament.

The closing ceremony at the Soccer City, Johannesburg was a real delight to watch. The stadium designed in the shape of a 'Calabash'- the Afrikan pot was occupied 100 percent. The ground was turned into a giant screen with the aerial lights providing some eye catching visual imagery. The hour long closing ceremony will remain in the minds of the millions of television viewers and spectators who were present there. Former president Nelson Mandela graced the occasion by making his presence felt along with his wife. Columbian singer Shakira entertained the spectators with her sleezy hip movements, dancing, shaking and singing along with the African local band and the whole crowd was dancing to the tune of  WAKA WAKA. Africa's wildlife was presented with dummy elephants making their way to the water hole. The best moments in this month long soccer feast were also displayed and at last the whole of Africa said Thank You in a number of different languages, this being a sign of faith that the FIFA had in Africa for hosting the world cup tournament.

The Netherlands and Spain were in for a tough task ahead of them. Both these teams were vying to get their hands on the trophy for the very first time, the only difference being that the Dutch were in the finals on two previous occasions but failed to lay their hands on the most coveted prize in football. The Spaniards on the other hand were never in a world cup final.

The Dutch played really physical football right from the time the whistle was blown to start the game. Van Persie, Nigel Di Jong and Van Bommel receiving yellow cards within the first half hour of the game. Nigel Di Jong must have been shown a staright red but a nasty stamp on Xabi Alonso's chest in the first half. Spain too had its share of yellow cards, Puyol and Ramos getting into the referees books.

Spain were dominant, keeping the ball to themselves and playing possession football. Iniesta and Xavi the midfield maestros were simply superb, showcasing perfect power,skill,balance and technique. The Dutch rattled the Spanish players with constant fowls and giving away freekicks now and then. Robben had the best shot on goal in the first half, cutting in  from the right and drilling the ball hard into the near post with his powerful left foot but Iker Casillas had his eyes wide open and he had to because its The most important match and mistakes will cost either team dearly.

Half time gone both the teams were locked up with a 0-0 scoreline, neither side being able to break the deadlock.

Fifteen minutes after the first half both teams were out on the pitch, refreshed and raring to go at one another. As the match progressed it became more and more nastier. Constant fowls, display of the yellow cards and clashes among players marred the free flowing nature of this beautiful game. The Dutch received five more yellow cards and the Spaniards received three.

Robben broke free from the defence and was one on one with the Spanish goalkeeper but couldn't put the ball into the Spanish net. The trailing left foot of Casillas denying Robben his goal. The Dutch were distraught and Robben just couldn't believe it. All Robben had to do was chip the ball over Casillas' head instead he went for the shot and thereby ruined his country's chances to go ahead. Ramos on the other end couldn't keep the header down in the 77th minute from a corner kick. The Dutch were confused by the Spanish set piece and Ramos was suddenly left all by himself.

Robben missed another chance in the 83rd minute when he raced past Puyol to get to the ball but failed to control it properly and put it past Casillas. Puyol must have been sent off at this point of time but the referee didn't quite seem to notice the foul he had committed. Robben was tugged from behind and pulled by Puyol,preventing him to regain his balance to take the shot. Horrendous refereeing indeed and when Robben protested he was shown the yellow card. That just summed up Robben's and Netherland's day.

Full time gone and not a single goal on the score cards the game went into extra time. The players were indeed weary and tired but thats the price you pay for playing your hands on the coveted trophy in football.
Fabregas was brought in in place of Alonso and he too missed his chance of giving Spain the lead in Extra time.

Both the goalkeepers (Stekelenburg and Casillas) were indeed heroes and deserve a lot of credit.

in the 119th minute Heitinga received his second yellow and was sent off. The Dutch were down to ten men and seemed to succumb to the marauding Spanish Aramada. When it looked like the match would indeed be settled on penalities Andries Iniesta lunges forward and drill in a shot into the far post and into the Dutch goal, breaking Dutch hearts all over the world.

Spain had achieved the impossible, the reigning EURO champions were crowned the World Champions. Spain went beserk the fans got even more crazier and the whole nation went into a state of euphoria.

Spain became the second nation after West Germany to lift the EURO and World Cup titles back to back. They were the better side indeed, they played sublime football, showed great character and displayed courage at the highest stage.