Spain won the World Cup for the first time when they beat Netherlands 1-0 thanks to a super strike by tireless midfielder Andres Iniesta four minutes from the end of extra time at Soccer City in Johannesburg on Sunday. With penalties looming for the second successive final Iniesta fired home the winner when he was put through in the area by Cesc Fabregas. Keeper Maarten Stekelenburg dived to his right and got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out. The defeat was heartbreaking for the Dutch, who were down to 10 men after John Heitinga was sent off in extra time. It was their third World Cup final loss after 1974 and 1978.
Spain, appearing in their first final, become the second team after West Germany in 1974 to follow up winning the European championship by lifting the biggest prize of all. The Spaniards were also the first European team to win the World Cup on a foreign continent as they became the eighth name on the trophy first played for in 1930. The victory sees Spain join Brazil (five times winners), Italy (four), Germany (three), Uruguay (two), Argentina (two), England and France as world champions.
Spain, appearing in their first final, become the second team after West Germany in 1974 to follow up winning the European championship by lifting the biggest prize of all. The Spaniards were also the first European team to win the World Cup on a foreign continent as they became the eighth name on the trophy first played for in 1930. The victory sees Spain join Brazil (five times winners), Italy (four), Germany (three), Uruguay (two), Argentina (two), England and France as world champions.
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