Spain wins FIFA, Netherlands deseRvED ignominious defeat

Spain – the “Masters of midfield” dominated the FIFA 2010 Cup final towards a well “fought” victory over Netherlands in a battle of cards. Iniesta scored a well deserved goal as he was the main tormentor of the Netherlands midfield and defense as he repeatedly made forays into danger territory. Netherlands played a typical game similar to tbeir victory over Uruguay and Brazil.

The game

The game started with character, both teams trying to control possession and start the attacks. Ramoes came through well for Spain with a couple of great runs and close attacks. Alas the attacks also drew fire (foot) from the Netherlands and the card games began. Netherlands drew 2 cautions while spain drew level very quickly. The possessions were close while the “Orange” defense was pretty strong. The Netherlands players seem to magically materialize at both ends of the ground very quickly. It felt like there were more orange shirts than black. Netherlands were pushing spain to pass and make mistakes and were also trying to kick them down. One particular kick by ”Nigel De Jong” landed on Xabi Alanso’s chest. Should have been a direct Red card, but he was left off with a caution. At the end of first half the card score was 3-2 with Netherlands in the lead, while the goal score was 0-0.

The second half saw more action and attacks on the goals. Netherlands also started attacking and creating chances. Holes in both defenses were exploited repeatedly, only to be thwarted by goal keepers at the last moment. (Robben and Fabregas had wonderful opportunities in front of the goal post by some excellent saves by the Goal keepers denied the scores).

The 2nd half ended with many more shots at the goal, but score line as 0=0. But Netherlands was a clear victor in the card game with many more cards in its pocket.

Extra time & the Goal

The first area of extra time also went scoreless. Torres was brought it from Spain for the 2nd half of the extra time. Heitinga was cautioned the 2nd time against Iniesta and was packed off the game. It was only 4 minutes before going for penalty shoot-outs when Fabregas who found iniesta. Iniesta has been making breaks repeatedly into the Netherlands territory and was fouled and floored repeatedly by the Orange. He found a good angle and bounce that beat Maarten stekelenburg to the one and only goal of the match. Glory to Spain!!!!

The vanquished

For Netherlands, the mistake lay in their approach to the game. I had been a fan of the Netherlands team in earlier times with Gullit and Marco Van Basten showed much promise. But the current team seems concentrating much on physical attacks and histrionics to win. Robben plays a well rehearsed routine of falling at convenient locations for free-kicks and the team could have made a better impact if as a whole they had concentrated more on the game rather than the attacks. Netherlands had committed 28 fouls in this single match and got 7 yellow cards and 1 Red. Even after fouls and cards they still continue to play the same game of deception, cheating and acting. That they can force teams like Spain to attack back in defense is telling on the impact of such notoriety on the game.

The worst part is the pride they show in playing nasty. Shame on them and Shame on their coach!!!

The Winners

Congrats to Spain for bringing back beauty to the game. They won the FIFA fair play award. Vicente Del Bosque is so composed and well mannered and was encouraging his players even as they missed the goal posts at the fag end of the game. Great guy and the team reflects the good approach with clean takes.
May their tribe grow!!

And oh!. Paul proved he is the best sooth sayer by getting one more right (of course, he was right on the Germany-Uruguay Semi finals too). In fact he has got 8 out of 8 in this world cup.!