Spain wins World Cup for first time
Monday, July 12, 2010 @ 3:42 PM
Spain has won the World Cup for the first time after Andres Iniesta grabbed a late winner in extra-time.
Iniesta struck with four minutes remaining to settle a tetchy encounter which saw English referee Howard Webb brandish a record 12 yellow cards, plus a red for Everton's John Heitinga on a night when Holland shamed the 'Total Football' for which they have been synonymous since the first of what is now three final defeats in 1974.
Howard Webb set a new World Cup final record after handing out 14 yellow cards and one red to Spain and Holland in a tempestuous climax to this tournament.
It was an ordeal by combat for the Yorkshire official and his assistants Darren Cann and Michael Mullarkey as Holland in particular tried to 'win ugly'.
It is not a record the 38-year-old Webb will be proud of but he was often left with little option as a tense encounter saw some crunching fouls and numerous late challenges.
Webb showed nine yellow cards to the Dutch - including two and a red to Everton's John Heitinga - and five to Spain.
Source: The Press Association