The Beautiful Game? Not today!
The Spanish claimed their first ever World Cup in Johannesburg today with a 0-1 extra-time win over a physical Netherlands squad whose game plan was clearly more about upsetting Spain’s composure than playing good football.
The Dutch showed their intent from early on with the first free kick of the match coming in minute one following a foul on Sergio Busquets by Robin van Persie.
Van Persie was later booked for a foul on Capdevila. It was the first of 14 bookings on the night, as English referee Howard Webb was challenged to maintain order in what became a bad tempered affair.
Try as they might, Spain were often unable to display the lovely short passing game that so delighted football fans everywhere in their semi-final match with Germany. Perhaps the Dutch had learned that the Germans’ sportsmanlike conduct had been detrimental to success.
Midfield bad boys
Netherlands midfielders Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong exemplified the Dutch “take no prisoners”
approach. Both men were ultimately booked, and sendings off for them or others seemed an inevitability.
Given the recklessness of the play at times the greatest mystery was how the match progressed through the regulation 90 minutes with no red cards! De Jong should certainly have seen red for thumping his studs into the chest of the oncoming Xabi Alonso in the 28th minute. Perhaps Howard Webb’s view was blocked, for de Jong escaped with a mere yellow card. Netherlands would see red in due course, though.
During moments when the Spanish were able to practice their tiki-taka passing game they showed themselves the superior team. Yet it was the Oranje who had the most clear cut chances for success. In particular Arjen Robben must now be ruing his missed opportunities.
Robben misses opportunities
In the 62nd minute the Netherlands’ Wesley Sneijder split the Spanish defense wide open with a pass down the middle onto which ran the speedy Robben. He had only Spanish ‘keeper Iker Casillas to beat but the Spaniard, despite diving the wrong way, managed to get a foot to Robben’s shot, thus deflecting it wide of goal.
Robben galloped toward the Spanish penalty box with the ball again in the 83rd, while a despairing and outpaced Carles Puyol was able only to throw himself sideways at the Dutchman in a frantic attempt to impede him. Robben stayed on his feet and retained possession but Casillas was once again up to the task, fairly wrapping his body around Robben to harness the ball. The ‘keeper had kept his side in the game twice now.
Spain missed opportunities, too
Spain had opportunities too, though. Sergio Ramos should have done better when he had a free header from six yards midway through the second half. He headed it over the bar.
And in the extra-time period Cesc Fabregas, who had come on for Xabi Alonso late in regulation time, found himself one-on-one with Dutch ‘keeper Stekelenburg, but the big Dutchman made the save.
Down to 10 men following a second yellow card to Johnny Heitinga in the second half of extra-time, the
Spanish got the breakthrough they sought in the 116th minute when Jesus Navas brought the ball upfield and fed it to Fernando Torres, who had come on for David Villa. Torres’ cross was intercepted and rebounded to Fabregas who passed to Andres Iniesta on the right.
The little Barcelona man struck an exquisite volley across the front of Stekelenburg and inside the far post.
Spain had their winner, and the better team are now the world champions of football.
Golden Boot for Muller
German striker Thomas Muller takes the Golden Boot award for highest goalscorer in the tournament. Muller had five, which is the same as Netherland’s Wesley Sneijder and Spain’s David Villa.
However, Muller takes the prize due to a greater accumulation of assists.
A double honor for Muller: He was named best young player of the tournament!
Dutch Blame Webb
Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk admitted the best team won today, but that didn’t stop him from blaming referee Howard Webb for failing to control the match. Van Marwijk suggested that Spanish media had influenced Webb through their criticism of his handling of an earlier Spain match.
Bert,…you’re right, the best team DID win the World Cup. And for what it’s worth, thuggery and negative tactics have no place in football.
Paul eight for eight
With Spain’s win over the Netherlands in the World Cup Final today, Paul the octopus has correctly predicted the winner of all eight matches he was asked to prognosticate.
Forlan honored
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Diego Forlan of Uruguay has been awarded the Golden Ball which is awarded to the player deemed best in the tournament.
Some previous winners: Maradona, Ronaldo, Zidane
