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Spain rules the soccer world, winning the
World Cup at long, long last.


      It came after an exhausting 1-0 victory in extra time over the
Netherlands on Sunday. Two years after winning the European title,
the stylish Spaniards did even better.


      This was a physical test of attrition that sometimes turned
dirty - a finals-record 13 yellow cards were handed out and the
Dutch finished with 10 men. In the end, it was Andres Iniesta
breaking free in the penalty area, taking a pass from Cesc Fabregas
and putting a right-footed shot from 8 yards just past the
outstretched arms of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

      "When I struck it, it just had to go in," Iniesta said.


      For the Dutch and their legions of orange-clad fans wearing
everything from jerseys to jumpsuits to clown gear to pajamas, it
was yet another disappointment.


      Even with their first World Cup title tantalizingly within
reach, they failed in the final for the third time. This one might
have been the most bitter because, unlike 1974 and 1978, the
Netherlands was unbeaten not only in this tournament, but in
qualifying for the first World Cup staged in South Africa.


      Soccer City was soaked in Oranje, from the seats painted in that
hue throughout the stadium to pretty much everyone seated in them.
Unlike when they lost to hosts West Germany and Argentina in
previous finals, the Dutch were something of a home team this time.


      The Spaniards, though, were the winners.


      "We have all done an incredible job," Iniesta said. "I don't
think we even realize what we have done."


      They had pockets of supporters, too, to be sure, dressed in red
and scattered around the stadium. They might have been the
minority, but when the final whistle blew, they were tooting their
vuvuzelas loudest in tribute to their champions.

      The goal came off a turnover by the Dutch defense that Fabregas
controlled just outside the penalty area. Iniesta stayed on the
right and sneaked in to grab the pass and put his shot to the far
post. Stekelenburg barely brushed it with his fingertips as it
soared into the net.


      Iniesta tore off his jersey after the goal and raced to the
corner where he was mobbed by his teammates. Several Dutch players
wiped away tears as they received their medals as runners-up - yet
again. They won every qualifying match and all six previous games
in South Africa before the bitter ending.

      The Netherlands now has more victories in World Cup games
without a title than any nation: 19. Spain held that dubious record
with 24.


      The Spaniards saluted their fans with arms raised high, then
lifted their coach, Vicente del Bosque, in the air in celebration.


      "This is immeasurable for Spain," Del Bosque said.


      Goalkeeper Iker Casillas, the captain, accepted the trophy from
FIFA president Sepp Blatter, kissed it and raised it for all to see
while cameras flashed and confetti flew throughout the still-full
stadium.


      Soon, the entire team and staff gathered at midfield for a group
photo. The players bounced up and down to the World Cup theme song,
then took a victory lap as the trophy was passed to each member of
the squad.


      "It's the most beautiful that there is. It's spectacular,"
Iniesta said, referring to the gold ball.


      Aside from a European title in 1988, the Dutch have been classic
underachievers on the pitch. Results never matched the talent.
These were no Dutch masters.


      Yet the Spaniards haven't been much better. Other than Euro
championships in 1964 and 2008, they rarely have contended in major
tournaments. At least the Netherlands made those two World Cup
finals and also got to the semifinals in 1998.

      Second-ranked Spain started this World Cup in the worst way,
losing to Switzerland. But Spain won every game after that,
including a 1-0 victory over powerful Germany that was far more
one-sided than the score indicated. No other nation has won the
World Cup after losing its opener.


      Yet the most dangerous player Sunday was Netherlands forward
Arjen Robben. He had a rare breakaway in the 62nd minute after a
brilliant through pass from Wesley Sneijder. He had the ball on his
preferred left foot, but a charging Casillas barely got his right
leg on the shot to deflect it wide of the gaping net.


      Then it was Stekelenburg's turn, holding his ground after a
misplay in front of the net gave the ever-potent Villa an open
shot.


      As play opened up, the crowd of 84,490 got quieter in nervous
anticipation of the goal that would win the World Cup.


      Robben again looked as though he might get it with a burst of
speed past the defense, but Casillas sprinted from his net and
smothered the ball before Robben could take a shot.


      A second straight World Cup final headed into extra time, with
the goalkeepers unbeatable. Stekelenburg, relatively inexperienced
on the international level, made a spectacular left leg save when
Fabregas broke free early in overtime.
      

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It took extra time to do it, but Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time to win the 2010 World Cup soccer final in South Africa.

Spain wins World Cup 1-0 over Netherlands

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