World Cup final: Holland 0 Spain 1 match report - Telegraph

Published: 10:12PM BST 11 Jul 2010
By Henry Winter

Viva España: Andres Inesta celebrates after scoring the crucial goal to hand Spain the World Cup Photo: GETTY IMAGES

He shoots, he scores: Andres Iniesta breaks the deadlock in Soccer City Stadium Photo: REUTERS

No way through: Spain's David Villa had a shot blocked by John Heitinga Photo: REUTERS

Off target: Sergio Ramos, the Spain full-back, rues a missed goalscoring opportunity Photo: REUTERS

Not so bright: Arjen Robben (left) had a golden chance to put Holland ahead midway through the second half. The Bayern Munich winger, however, struck the ball into Iker Casillas's legs Photo: EPA

Putting the boot in: Nigel de Jong (right), the Holland midfielder, thrusts his boot into Xabi Alonso's chest Photo: REUTERS

Head-to-head: Sergio Busquets (left) and Mark van Bommel square up during the first half Photo: GETTY IMAGES

A final so far removed from the Beautiful Game, so far out of keeping with such a largely upbeat tournament, was settled four minutes from the end of extra time by Andres Iniesta, so crowning Spain champions of the world for the first time. They had waited so long what was an extra half-hour?