Netherlands 0-1 Spain: Iniesta Wins the 2010 World Cup
Spain’s golden generation had already won Euro 2008. In the first World Cup held in Africa they faced a Dutch side that had won every game, and the final became a long, bruising battle.
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Match facts
| Competition | FIFA World Cup final |
|---|---|
| Date | 11 July 2010 |
| Venue | Soccer City, Johannesburg |
| Result | Netherlands 0-1 Spain (after extra time) |
The story of the match
The Netherlands set out to stop Spain’s passing, and the referee Howard Webb showed a record 14 yellow cards. Nigel de Jong’s high challenge on Xabi Alonso’s chest could easily have been a red card.
Arjen Robben had two great chances to win it, but Iker Casillas stopped him both times. John Heitinga was sent off in extra time, and four minutes from the end Andrés Iniesta took a pass from Cesc Fàbregas and drove the ball past Maarten Stekelenburg.
Key moments to watch for
- De Jong’s challenge on Xabi Alonso
- Casillas denies Robben twice
- Heitinga sent off in extra time
- Iniesta’s winner in the 116th minute
Why it’s one of the greatest football matches ever
It was Spain’s first World Cup and made them the first European team to win the trophy outside Europe. Iniesta revealed a message to his late friend Dani Jarque on his vest when he celebrated, one of the most emotional moments of any final.
More classic football matches
- Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia: The Great Upset, 2022 World Cup
- Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 pens): 2022 World Cup Final Highlights
- Liverpool 3-3 AC Milan: The Miracle of Istanbul, 2005 Champions League Final
See all 40 on our list of the greatest matches ever, or catch up on this season on the latest highlights page.
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