Spain were crowned world champions after they defeated Holland/Netherlands in extra time, by 1 – 0. Down to 10 men after Everton defender John Heitinga got his marching orders for two yellow cards, The Dutch finally crumbled when Andreas Iniesta cannoned the ball into the Dutch netting.

The game started out cagily, with both sides playing cautiously. Both sides committed niggling fouls, mostly from the Dutch side. Referee Howard Webb, who accorded himself well, brandished a record 14 yellow cards, in addition to the red.

The match continued to be a stop-start one with the Dutch intent on stopping Spain on imposing their passing game on the match. Dutch midfield duo Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong in particular were guilty of some nasty challenges – one saw de Jong going in with a flying kick ala Cantona on Xabi Alonso’s chest.

There were chances for both sides to break the deadlock. The best opportunity of the match went to Arjen Robben who went clean through on goal only to be foiled by Iker Casillas’ right boot. It was a bad miss for a player of his calibre and one that he would be haunted by.

On a second occasion, Robben again outpaced Carles Puyol and forcing Casillas to come out and smartly save with his feet. Robben could only cry foul that he was pulled back by Puyol.

At the other end of the field, David Villa saw a close range attempt blocked by Heitinga and, off a corner, Sergio Ramos rose unmarked only to head over the crossbar.

With 30 minutes added to the first 90, it was a matter of time before a Dutch would see red. Heitinga was the unlucky recipient, pickying up his second yellow for holding back Iniesta.

The extra man advantage proved to be useful to the Spanish side. Substitute Fernando Torres swung in a cross from the left via deflections, which eventually reached the feet of Cesc Fabregas, who calmly laid to Inesta, whom eventually volleyed home a wondrous strike. OLE!