2010 FIFA World Cup Final: Spain Lifts the World Cup

The 19th FIFA world cup final, 2010 culminated with a single winning goal from Andres Iniesta that created history. Spain won their first FIFA World Cup defeating Netherlands by 1 goal in the extra time. Both Netherlands and Spain had not won any final till date although Netherlands had appeared twice before in the finals, in 1974 and 1978. Spain reached the finals defeating Portugal, Parague and Germany scoring 1-0 every time while Netherlands demolished the hopes of Slovakia, Brazil and Uruguay in Round 16, quarter finals and semi finals respectively.

The score was 0-0 for the entire 90 minutes of the game and the first 15 minutes extra time as well with Spain having 57% ball possession and 18 shots with 8 of them on target. Netherlands had 43% possession and 13 total shots with 5 on target. The winning goal was shot in the second 15 minute extra time hardly 5 minutes after the Dutch were reduced to 10 players. And once again the German octopus Paul Allen's predictions came true (Read: Octopus Paul Allen Predicts Spain as FIFA World Cup 2010 Champions)

The match also had a large number of fouls, with both the teams playing rough. So much so that although the goal scores remained 0-0, the yellow card scores kept mounting. The match referee Howard Webb of England had a busy time and the final count was 14 yellow and 1 red card, Netherlands winning here 8-5. Netherlands' John Heitinga was sent off the field with 2 yellow and finally a red card. The number of fouls committed by Netherlands was 28 while by Spain was 18.

The match had some firsts records as well. Spain is the first team outside South America to win the finals held out of Europe. Also, the first team to win the cup after losing their opening match with the lowest number of goal scorers (3).

Spain won the 6.175kg (13.6 lb) gold trophy along with the Man of the Match given to Andres Iniesta and the prestigious Golden Glove Award to their captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas. The Golden Shoe Award as well as the Best Young Player Award was given to Thomas Mueller of Germany and the Golden Ball was awarded to Diego Forlan of Uruguay.