Spain Triumphs Over Netherlands to Bring Home Their First World Cup Title

Amidst a record number of yellow cards, utter exhaustion, too many missed opportunities, and penalty kicks looming in the near distant future, Spain managed to overcome the Netherlands with a goal by Andres Iniesta in the 116^th minute of Sunday's World Cup Final. Although this final did not include any head butting or taunting like the last one, it was still equally as dramatic as both teams nullified each other at all costs for most of the game. A game that was expected to be calm turned ugly as the minutes passed and frustrations grew for two of the world's most graceful teams. By the end of the game a total of 13 yellow cards, nine of which belonged to the Dutch. There was also a red card on Dutchman John Heitinga which resulted in his ejection from the game during overtime.

The Netherlands attempted to distract Spain from their eloquent passing demeanor and succeeded many times. Barcelona midfielder Andres Inesta was knocked to the ground eight times making him the most fouled player on the field. Dutchman Nigel De Jong managed to avoid being red carded after kicking Spain's Xabi Alonso in the chest. However, although the Spanish players may have looked annoyed at times, they were never discouraged as they made attempt after attempt on the Dutch goal. Finally, just four minutes away from what would have been penalty kicks ridden with nerves, Spain prevailed in their fourth consecutive 1:0 win of the tournament.

In a game that will be remembered more for its brutality than its grace, Spain managed to bring home its first World Cup title and assured its place as one of the world's greatest teams. Spain is now also the third team to hold both European and World Cup titles at the same time. As for the Netherlands, this will be the third time they lose a World Cup final.

At the end of the game the Spanish players quickly swapped their blue jerseys for the familiar red ones that earned them the nickname "Furia Roja." The trophy was then given to Spain's captain and goal keeper, Iker Casillas, as the Spanish players danced, cried, and laughed their way into World Cup history. And so, after a loss to Switzerland, weeks of grueling matches, a certain German octopus who favored them, and a bitter fight at the very end, Spain became the 8th nation to bask in the World Cup glory of champions.

Sources:

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/story/spain-wins-first-ever-world-cup-title-over-holland
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-12/iniesta-s-small-contribution-of-winning-goal-ends-spain-s-world-cup-wait.html