Post by Suresh Iyer
Spain’s search for a objective arrived right after 117 minutes of regulation when Andres Iniesta latched on to a Torres pass in front of target mouth, and shot house to assist Spain win football’s biggest prize of all. In the method, Holland tasted defeat for the 3rd time in a ultimate.
In a match that grew to become progressively bodily with the two sides frustrated in their bid to score, Holland had cause for annoyance, when moments earlier, referee Webb chose to dismiss a palpable deflection off Fabregas following a free kick, and did not award a corner.
It was a deserved victory for Spain in a tense match of frayed tempers that saw the awarding of 14 yellow cards including a 2nd yellow to Heitinga and a consequential sending off, in the 109th moment.
If the Dutch had won it would have manufactured them only the 2nd crew to go via a World Cup (qualifying matches included) unvanquished. Brazil remain the only team to have achieved it, in 1970.
Spain keeper and captain, Casillas prevented Arjen Robben from scoring in a a single-on-one contest in the second half that would have offered Holland the lead.
Sergio Ramos and Fabregas, a late entrant as substitute, also missed comparable odds for Spain, Ramos heading the ball more than.
But Fabregas a lot more than manufactured up with a through ball to Iniesta that gave Spain their goal and win, in a Globe Cup that saw them losing their opening match. Spain also set a file by profitable the Globe Cup with the fewest objectives scored, 8 in 7 matches.
A magnificent closing ceremony attended by former president Nelson Mandela was contrasted by a dull very first half.
Spain began with fantastic intent, retaining possession, and acquiring previous a tentative Holland defence. Only a outstanding conserve by Stekelenburg could preserve Ramos’s header out in the 4th minute.
Holland struggled to get a grip on the proceedings, and their rhythm was even more upset by a flurry of yellow cards awarded by referee Webb.
5 yellow cards marked the initial 28 minutes of play, with some rough tackles leaving Webb with no option.
Holland’s van Bommel’s rear attack on Iniesta received him a yellow however, de Jong was lucky to escape booking soon after planting a foot on Xabi Alonso’s chest. Alonso wasted the resultant totally free kick deciding to shoot straight from past 40 yards, instead of combining with a teammate.
Robben cut inside of throughout damage time and a low left-footer induced a brilliant save from Casillas.
Immediately after half-time, Spain missed going ahead, when Capdevila failed to get a touch on Puyol’s flick-on.
There were flashes of brilliance in a 2nd fifty percent that noticed the bookings continue. A by way of ball from Sneider – strangely peaceful on the evening – and a delayed shot off it by Robben was only just kept out with an outstretched leg, by Casillas.
This was followed by an unmarked Ramos heading a corner more than, for Spain.
Fleetfooted Robben ruled his left flank, and the Spain defence was tested sorely. On these a burst from the Bayern Munich star, Puyol resorted to a rough tackle, and with Robben staying on his feet, Webb chose to dismiss the infringement. Robben’s shot at objective was denied by a brilliant Casillas conserve.
Spain became progressively dominant, with Xavi stamping his influence on a match that appeared headed for added time.
Fabregas arrived in for Alonso in the 87th moment, and had an immediate shot at aim off an Iniesta pass, but Stekelenburg created brilliant use of his legs to deny Spain.
Fabregas repayed Iniesta with a by way of pass, quickly right after, but Iniesta spent as well considerably time on the ball, at 18 yards, allowing van der Weil to dispossess him.
With 10 minutes to go in the 2nd fifty percent of additional time, Heitinga earned his 2nd caution, and was sent off after he tackled Iniesta on the edge of the box.
Joris Mathijsen late header could have received Holland by way of, towards the run of play. But moments later on, Iniesta had his final say…
About the Author
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Suresh Iyer is an avid sports fan and blogger.