Spain were the more proactive side in the first-half of this World Cup final, but Holland were well organized in response. Both sides set up under 4-2-3-1, but Spain had a narrower approach with Pedro and Andres Iniesta taking up quite central positions either side of Xavi. Holland’s principal aim was to press Spain, thus preventing them from converting their possession into incisive attacking moves. With Spain lacking a little attacking width, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst was able to assist in more advanced areas to occupy the space of the Spanish attacking midfielders.
An early chance was created by Spain from a free-kick, but Sergio Ramos’s header from 12-yards was repelled by Maarten Stekelenberg’s diving save. Ramos was also involved in another dangerous move when he evaded Dirk Kuyt in the box, and his powerful cross was deflected over the bar by John Heitinga. But Spain were unable to sustain their momentum as a result of Holland’s assertive-defensive approach. Holland’s best chance fell to Arjen Robben as half-time approached, but his shot was saved at the near post by Iker Casillas. Overall it was a scrappy and niggly first period, with several yellow cards issued by referee Howard Webb.
Spain had an opportunity to take the lead early in the second-half, but Joan Capdevila failed to connect with the ball at the far post following a corner. Otherwise, the game continued in much the same manner. Spain had most of the possession but Holland were able to contain them. On the hour Holland also had a good chance to take the lead: an excellent ball was played through by Wesley Sneijder which allowed Robben a clear run at goal. But Casillas was able to save Robben’s effort with his legs.
Jesus Navas was introduced by Spain in place of Pedro and offered more width on the right. This forced Van Bronckhorst into more defined left-back duties. Although the game opened up a little, it felt as though extra-time was on the cards some way before 90 minutes were up. David Villa had Spain’s best chance to win the game in regular time, but his shot from close range was well saved by Stekelenberg. On another occasion, Iniesta made a strong run into the box but was thwarted by Sneijder.
Spain started to look stronger in the attacking third in extra-time, and this was exemplified by a forward pass by Iniesta which bisected the Dutch central defence: substitute Cesc Fabregas had just the keeper to beat but his shot was somewhat tame. Spain may also have been denied a penalty after Heitinga caught Xavi as the Spanish playmaker set himself to shoot. However, Holland also had a chance to win the game from a corner in extra-time, but Mathijsen should have done better with his header.
With 10 minutes to go Heitinga received a second yellow card after he illegitimately impeded Iniesta’s run into the Dutch penalty area. And with 120 minutes approaching, and penalties looming, Spain won the game. A counter-attack led by Navas eventually made its way to Fabregas just outside the box. Fabregas threaded the ball to Iniesta who took one touch before firing home from eight yards.
It’s satisfying that the game was settled without recourse to penalties. It wasn’t the best of finals, but it was a competitive fixture won by the more attacking team. Spain play the strongest brand of international football and are worthy winners of World Cup 2010.
A fitting end to a poor World Cup.
Thirty two teams is too many. Also, during the group stages the two fixtures in each group should be played simultaneously from the start, not just the third pair (if that makes sense).