Spain has won the 2010 World Cup for the first time!!!
They were considered one of the favorites before the tournament started, and unlike Brazil, they were able to get the job done. Spain didn't play the best soccer in the tournament, that would have to be Germany, but they were the most efficient. After winning the Euro in 2008, and because they have so many great players on the same squad, I would have to say the Spanish deserved to win.
Spain played a tightly contested game against a Dutch side that clearly didn't care about playing the game. They wanted to intimidate Spain physically, and they were able to do that for the most part. English referee Howard Webb let the Dutch off the hook easy by not giving red cards to Mark van Bommel (the dirtiest player I've ever seen) for "flying" slide tackle to the back of Andres Iniesta's knees, and Nigel de Jong for kicking Xabi Alonso in the chest. It was a bit early in the game, so I understand Webb might not have wanted to jeopardize the final game by sending off 2 Dutch players, but this showed the Dutch didn't want to win the game with the ball on their feet.
Both teams had clear chances with Iker Casillas saving Spain on one side, and the Spanish players taking too long pull the trigger on the other side. But at the 116th minute mark of extra time, Iniesta comes through to save the day just like he did against Chelsea in the Champions League a little over a year ago.
This was a well deserved Cup for Spain and I still think they have another Euro win in 2012. But for 2014, everyone better watch out because I doubt anyone will be able to go to Brazil and beat them on their turf!
