Open Writing

It was hardly a classic but Spain stuck to their principles of a ground passing game despite close attention from the Dutch who relied on tackles both fair and cynical from the Dutch in an attempt to prevent Spain from playing.

They weren't entirely outclassed by Spain, though, and Arjen Robben was once again the best player for the Dutch and arguably best player on the pitch. The game had improved from a nervous start for the Dutch and they soon got up to speed with the Spanish after a card ridden opening half. Despite all the cards, though, English referee Howard Webb was being lenient and chose not to show a red card despite some Dutch tackles being worth a direct red card on reflection.

The tackling might have been occasionally X-rated but the Spanish passing game remained unflappable and the occasional Dutch counter attack gave the favourites something to think about.

Robben was a constant threat on the break and had a golden opportunity to put the Netherlands into a 1-0 lead in the 62nd minute when he was put clean through against Iker Casillas. Robben advanced and seemed to wait for Casillas to commit himself but had to try a dink at the last minute but Casillas stood his ground and blocked the shot with his right root as he finally went down.

Robben had a second chance to score 7 minutes from the end of normal time when De Jong's clearance found the flying Dutchman racing clear of the labouring Carles Puyol who seemed to try and haul him back some distance from the box. Iker Casillas came out to save as Robben closed on goal.

Extra time seemed almost inevitable, and the spectre of penalties for the second World Cup in a row was being discussed as the end game started. The chances were starting to come for both sides now and Andres Iniesta's influence in the final third was starting to grow as defensive shackles were removed with both sides opting to go for a goal.

Iniesta broke through twice and Jesus Navas' shot was deflected into the side netting while Cesc Fabregas drove wide when clear of the Dutch defence.

With Spain getting the upper hand as gaps started to appear Johnny Heitinga was sent off after 108 minutes after he appeared to pull back Andres Iniesta outside the area. The Dutch were down to 10 men but arguably should have been down to 9 or fewer after earlier incidents had arguably gone underpunished.

The Spanish finally got the goal they richly deserved with 4 minutes to go when a flowing counter attack was finished by Andres Iniesta who received a pass from Cesc Fabregas, took two touches, and leathered the ball past Maarten Stekelenburg on the half volley to begin the celebrations.

One Spanish player who won't be as happy as the others was Fernando Torres who, like so many English Premiership based players, had a poor tournament and pulled up with a hamstring injury right at the end of the game after having come on as a substitute despite spending most of the match warming up on the sidelines.

The end of the contest was slightly marred by an unsavoury Dutch protest to Howard Webb for an earlier obstruction on Elia but they could have little to complain to Webb about after his earlier leniency despite the large number of yellow cards (13 in total during the game plus a second yellow card for Heitinga) and the brace of chances for Arjen Robben in normal time.

So ends the first African World Cup. Like the tournament as a whole, the final game started slowly and built pace as it went along but never really hit the heights despite some really attractive sequences during the game.