ARJEN ROBBEN

Write-up by Suresh Iyer

Spain’s lookup for a aim arrived right after 117 minutes of regulation when Andres Iniesta latched on to a Torres pass in front of objective mouth, and shot home to support Spain win football’s largest prize of all. In the process, Holland tasted defeat for the 3rd time in a final.

In a match that grew to become more and more physical with the two sides annoyed in their bid to score, Holland had reason for annoyance, when moments earlier, referee Webb selected to dismiss a palpable deflection off Fabregas subsequent a free of charge 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 which includes a second yellow to Heitinga and a consequential sending off, in the 109th minute.

If the Dutch had won it would have produced them only the second team to go by way of a Globe Cup (qualifying matches integrated) unvanquished. Brazil continue being the only crew to have reached it, in 1970.

Spain keeper and captain, Casillas prevented Arjen Robben from scoring in a one-on-a single contest in the second fifty percent that would have given Holland the lead.

Sergio Ramos and Fabregas, a late entrant as substitute, also missed related odds for Spain, Ramos heading the ball about.

But Fabregas far more than manufactured up with a through ball to Iniesta that gave Spain their target and win, in a Planet Cup that saw them losing their opening match. Spain also set a file by winning the World Cup with the fewest objectives scored, 8 in 7 matches.

A spectacular closing ceremony attended by previous president Nelson Mandela was contrasted by a boring initial fifty percent.

Spain started with great intent, maintaining possession, and finding past a tentative Holland defence. Only a amazing preserve by Stekelenburg could maintain Ramos’s header out in the 4th moment.

Holland struggled to get a grip on the proceedings, and their rhythm was further upset by a flurry of yellow cards awarded by referee Webb.

5 yellow cards marked the first 28 minutes of play, with some tough tackles leaving Webb with no choice.

Holland’s van Bommel’s rear assault on Iniesta obtained him a yellow nevertheless, de Jong was fortunate to escape booking following planting a foot on Xabi Alonso’s chest. Alonso wasted the resultant totally free kick choosing to shoot straight from over and above forty yards, rather of combining with a teammate.

Robben lower within for the duration of injury time and a low left-footer induced a amazing conserve from Casillas.

Immediately right after half-time, Spain missed heading ahead, when Capdevila failed to get a touch on Puyol’s flick-on.

There had been flashes of brilliance in a second fifty percent that saw the bookings keep on. A by way of ball from Sneider – strangely tranquil on the night – 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 around, for Spain.

Fleetfooted Robben ruled his left flank, and the Spain defence was examined sorely. On this kind of a burst from the Bayern Munich star, Puyol resorted to a tough tackle, and with Robben staying on his feet, Webb selected to dismiss the infringement. Robben’s shot at goal was denied by a excellent Casillas save.

Spain became progressively dominant, with Xavi stamping his affect on a match that appeared headed for added time.

Fabregas arrived in for Alonso in the 87th minute, and had an quick shot at goal off an Iniesta pass, but Stekelenburg manufactured outstanding use of his legs to deny Spain.

Fabregas repayed Iniesta with a by way of pass, shortly soon after, but Iniesta put in too considerably time on the ball, at 18 yards, permitting van der Weil to dispossess him.

With 10 minutes to go in the 2nd half of extra time, Heitinga earned his second caution, and was sent off after he tackled Iniesta on the edge of the box.

Joris Mathijsen late header could have obtained Holland through, against the run of play. But moments later on, Iniesta had his ultimate say…

About the Writer

For the most current sports gossip and news you will not uncover anyplace else on the Net, and to download a Free E book on the 2010 FIFA Globe Cup, click on http://www.cricinfosite.com

Suresh Iyer is an avid sports fan and blogger.