Spain the world cup champions

The triumph 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 Andrés
Iniesta breaking free in the penalty area, taking a
pass from Cesc Fàbregas and putting a right-
footed shot from eight 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 in 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 the loudest in tribute to their champions.
The goal came off a turnover by the Dutch defence that Fàbregas 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 had 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.

All was no use as Spain is the 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP CHAMPION!!!!!