World at spain’s feet

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Johannesburg, July 12: Football 1-cynicism 0. Glory to Spain, pain for the Netherlands. European champions Spain now have conquered the world for the first time in their history.

Andres Iniesta scored the late winner in extra-time to help Spain edge the Dutch 1-0 in the final of the World Cup here on Sunday. The Soccer City showpiece wasn’t a beauty contest it was expected to be; it was more of a foul festival, with referee Howard Webb blowing his whistle non-stop.

Spain wouldn’t complain though, as they have landed in dreamland after starting the Cup in hell with a shocking loss to Switzerland.

Just when it appeared that a shoot-out was imminent to decide the champions of the 19th edition of Planet Earth’s favourite tournament, Iniesta buried substitute Cesc Fabregas’ pass with a right-footed strike in the 116th minute. Along with the goal, the Barcelona midfielder put Spain’s years of under-achievement at the World Cup to rest.

Iniesta, who was earlier denied by a last-ditch tackle from Gregory van der Wiel, found the target for his country — and the game. He ripped off his shirt in ecstasy and the consequent yellow card was small price he had to pay for leading his country to the highest accolade in football, if not in all sports.

The Netherlands’ misery continued at the World Cup. Not only were they unlucky third time, they also lost the tag of “glorious losers”. Johan Cruyff would have squirmed on his sofa, watching his country adopt stifling tactics that his generation detested with such vehemence. The Dutch legend may have angered his countrymen by rooting for Spain “for the good of the game” but his observations about the Netherlands’ negative play were proved right on Sunday night.

The Dutch are like Ivan Lendl at Wimbledon; always a bridesmaid, never a bride. Bert van Marwijk sent out his charges to win ugly but they lost badly. Purists and neutral fans will not shed a tear for the Dutch because the Oranje laid more stress on strong-arm methods in preference to the pleasing style that their football teams of yore were renowned for.

Van Marwijk has blamed Webb for his team’s loss, but the culpability lies elsewhere. Dutch winger Arjen Robben wasted two sitters to seal the match in normal time. He failed to beat Iker Casillas in one-on-one duels after the break. Wesley Sneijder, who was anonymous otherwise, had set up the first with a perceptive through ball and Robben himself created the second by outpacing Carles Puyol.

The first half was dismal with neither team baring their teeth. Watching the listless affair was like sitting in a torture chamber. Soccer City and South Africa deserved something better. A volunteer quipped that the Germany-Uruguay match for the third place was more entertaining.

Spain started brightly with Sergio Ramos testing Maarten Stekelenburg with a header off Xavi’s cross. The right-back spurned a splendid chance after the break as he headed a Xavi corner over from six yards, despite being unmarked.

The introduction of Fabregas in place of Xabi Alonso towards the end of normal time rejuvenated Spain. Fabregas had a chance to get on to the scoresheet when Iniesta released him in the early minutes of extra-time, but Stekelenburg thwarted the substitute with his legs. The Arsenal skipper made amends with his perfect pass to Iniesta for the winner.

The Netherlands, hamstrung by a glut of mispasses, ambled along on first gear the whole night. Lacking direction and cohesion, they only succeeded in testing the robustness of Spanish players. Nigel de Jong was lucky to escape with a yellow after he planted his foot on Alonso’s chest in the 28th minute. Fellow hardman Mark van Bommel had already gone into the books of Webb. After losing central defender John Heitinga to a second yellow in extra-time, the Dutch received the killer blow minutes later.

Casillas, the goalkeeper of the tournament, led Spain by example. He kept his team in the hunt by diverting Robben’s first attempt with an outstretched leg. The captain courageous then plucked the ball from the Bayern Munich winger’s feet. Casillas broke down like a child after the final whistle. None deserved the title more than the Real Madrid shot stopper. Ironically, the heroes of the Spanish triumph — Iniesta and Casillas — belong to two clubs that love to hate each other.

The final produced a host of records, some enviable and others not. Spain’s maiden World Cup title was also Europe’s first outside the continent. The Fifa trophy will remain in the same continent for the first time since 1962. Europe now have a 10-9 lead over South America in the overall tally. Spain have become the first team to win a final after losing their opener. The champions have done the job with the fewest number of goals — eight. The 14 yellow cards Webb flashed on the night is a dubious final record. Spain have also won the Fair Play trophy, which is awarded to the most disciplined team.

The Netherlands, though, will have no time for statistics as they have become the first team not to win a final despite reaching it three times. They cannot blame Paul the Octopus for their latest setback. The Dutch did not trust their talent.

Pic Caption:
The Spanish team celebrates as captain Iker Casillas raises the World Cup trophy at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday. — AFP