Spain reign in S.Africa

As Iniesta goal gifts nation first World Cup titleSpain won the World Cup for the first time when they beat Netherlands 1-0 after extra time thanks to a goal by midfielder Andres Iniesta. Iniesta fired home the winner when he was put through in the area by Cesc Fabregas. Keeper Maarten Stekelenburg dived to his right and got a hand to the ball he could not keep it out. The defeat was heartbreaking for the Dutch, who were down to 10 men after John Heitinga was sent off in extra time. It was their third World Cup final loss after 1974 and 1978. European champions Spain had looked the more assured early on in the clash at Soccer City as a nervous-looking Dutch side ceded territory to their slick opponents. Stekelenburg was forced into a save after five minutes when Sergio Ramos headed a Xavi cross goalwards while Spain forward David Villa crashed a volley into the side netting with the goal looming. Past winners1930-Uruguay 1934-Italy 1938-Italy 1950-Uruguay 1954-West Germany 1958-Brazil1962-Brazil 1966-England1970-Brazil1974-West Germany 1978-Argentina 1982-Italy 1986-Argentina 1990-West Germany 1994-Brazil1998-France 2002-Brazil 2006-Italy 2010-Spain Ends

Sports

Spain reign in S.Africa