Write-up by Suresh Iyer
Spain’s search for a goal arrived right after 117 minutes of regulation when Andres Iniesta latched on to a Torres pass in front of goal mouth, and shot property to help Spain win football’s greatest prize of all. In the process, Holland tasted defeat for the third time in a last.
In a match that became progressively physical with the two sides frustrated in their bid to score, Holland had reason for annoyance, when moments earlier, referee Webb selected 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 noticed the awarding of 14 yellow cards such as a 2nd yellow to Heitinga and a consequential sending off, in the 109th minute.
If the Dutch had won it would have created them only the 2nd team to go via a Globe Cup (qualifying matches incorporated) unvanquished. Brazil stay the only group to have accomplished it, in 1970.
Spain keeper and captain, Casillas prevented Arjen Robben from scoring in a a single-on-one contest in the second fifty percent that would have provided Holland the lead.
Sergio Ramos and Fabregas, a late entrant as substitute, also missed comparable odds for Spain, Ramos heading the ball around.
But Fabregas far more than created up with a by means of 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 report by winning the Entire world Cup with the fewest goals scored, eight in 7 matches.
A impressive closing ceremony attended by former president Nelson Mandela was contrasted by a boring 1st half.
Spain commenced with great intent, trying to keep possession, and getting previous a tentative Holland defence. Only a outstanding conserve by Stekelenburg could keep Ramos’s header out in the 4th minute.
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.
Five 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 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 no cost kick determining to shoot straight from past forty yards, instead of combining with a teammate.
Robben reduce inside in the course of injuries time and a reduced left-footer induced a brilliant save from Casillas.
Instantly after fifty percent-time, Spain missed heading forward, when Capdevila failed to get a touch on Puyol’s flick-on.
There had been flashes of brilliance in a second fifty percent that noticed the bookings proceed. A by way of ball from Sneider – strangely peaceful on the night time – and a delayed shot off it by Robben was only just stored 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 these a burst from the Bayern Munich star, Puyol resorted to a rough tackle, and with Robben staying on his feet, Webb selected to dismiss the infringement. Robben’s shot at aim was denied by a outstanding Casillas save.
Spain became more and more dominant, with Xavi stamping his impact on a match that appeared headed for further time.
Fabregas came in for Alonso in the 87th minute, and had an immediate shot at goal off an Iniesta pass, but Stekelenburg manufactured brilliant use of his legs to deny Spain.
Fabregas repayed Iniesta with a by means of pass, soon following, but Iniesta invested as well a lot time on the ball, at 18 yards, enabling van der Weil to dispossess him.
With 10 minutes to go in the 2nd 50 percent of extra time, Heitinga earned his 2nd caution, and was sent off right after he tackled Iniesta on the edge of the box.
Joris Mathijsen late header could have acquired Holland via, against the run of play. But moments later, Iniesta had his final say…
About the Writer
For the most recent sports gossip and news you will not come across anywhere else on the Internet, and to download a Free E-book on the 2010 FIFA World Cup, click http://www.cricinfosite.com
Suresh Iyer is an avid sports fan and blogger.
April 22, 2011 5:59 pm | 