July 11: Spain wins 2010 World Cup

For the first time in history, Spain takes home the World Cup. After a very tough match with the Netherlands, Vicente del Bosque’s men won 1 nill with a beautiful goal from Iniesta, on the second half of extra time. For the Dutch, another disappointment: this is the third World Cup final they reach and lose (they also lost 74 and 78).

Spain’s victory points out, once again, one of the beauties of the game: football is about the moment and nothing else. The Netherlands had the best qualifying campaign and did not lose a single match during the World Cup. Spain, in contrast, had issues with Del Bosque after being defeated by the USA in the Confederations Cup semi-finals and to Switzerland in the first game of the 2010 World Cup.

With one of the most amazing squads out there (they can afford do have Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas on the bench?), Spain played beautiful football and really dominated most of the match – it was clear who had it, they just did not seem to be able to score and the match went warm for a good 75 minutes. Ramos, Iniesta, Xavi, Casillas, Fabregas and Villa were amazing.

The Netherlands, unfortunately, went for a different posture: complaining about everything and playing a dirty game when all they should have done is simply play football. Robben was (excuse the boldness) pathetic. His attitude on the pitch, complaining about every possible thing, was childish and not worthy of the footballer he is.

And so the World Cup 2010, the first one in Africa, ends. The most amazing football tournament on the planet will take place, next, in Brazil in 2014. Iniesta, with his 115 minute goal, gave the Spanish the most amazing feeling one can experience. They had been waiting for ages (Casillas knows well – he started crying even before the final whistle blew) and now it has finally come.

Congratulations Spain, you deserve all the joy of a World Cup title.