Spain beats Netherlands to finally win World Cup

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Spain rules the soccer world, winning the World Cup at long, long last Sunday with an exhausting 1-0 victory in extra time over the Netherlands.

This was a physical test of attrition that sometimes turned dirty - a final-record 13 yellow cards were handed out and the Dutch finished with 10 men. In the end, it was Andres Iniesta breaking free in the penalty area, taking a pass from Cesc Fabregas and putting a right-footed shot from 8 yards just past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg with about seven minutes to play, including injury time.

"When I struck it, it just had to go in," Iniesta said.

For the Dutch and their legions of orange-clad fans, it was yet another disappointment. With their first World Cup title tantalizingly within reach, they failed in the final for the third time. This one might have been the most bitter because, unlike 1974 and 1978, the Netherlands had been unbeaten not only in this tournament, but in qualifying for the first World Cup staged in South Africa.

Soccer City was soaked in Oranje, from the seats painted in that hue throughout the stadium to pretty much everyone seated in them. Unlike when they lost to hosts West Germany and Argentina in previous finals, the Dutch were something of a home team this time. The Spaniards, though, were the winners.

The goal in the 116th minute came off a turnover by the Dutch defense that Fabregas controlled just outside the penalty area. Iniesta stayed on the right and sneaked in to grab the pass and put his shot to the far post. Stekelenburg barely brushed it with his fingertips as it soared into the net. Iniesta tore off his jersey after the goal and raced to the corner, where he was mobbed by teammates.

Spain started this World Cup by losing to Switzerland but went unbeaten after that. No other nation has won the World Cup after losing its opener.

Several Dutch players wiped away tears as they received their medals as runners-up. The Netherlands has more victories in World Cup games without a title than any nation: 19. Spain held that dubious record with 24.

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk took off his silver medal as soon as he left the podium, with a look of disgust.

On a team flush with talent, only Arjen Robben stood out Sunday and almost gave the Dutch a breakthrough goal twice on darting runs through the center. Each time, Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas was perfect in blocking his attempts.

"You felt that the team that would score first would win," van Marwijk said. "We had two great chances through Arjen."

The Spaniards saluted their fans with arms raised high, then lifted their coach, Vicente del Bosque, in the air in celebration. "This is immeasurable for Spain," del Bosque said.

Casillas, the captain, accepted the trophy from FIFA president Sepp Blatter, kissed it and raised it while cameras flashed and confetti flew throughout the still-full stadium.

Soon, the entire team and staff gathered at midfield for a group photo. Spain's players bounced up and down to the World Cup theme song, then took a victory lap as the trophy was passed to each member of the squad.

"It's the most beautiful that there is,'' Iniesta said, referring to the gold trophy. "It's spectacular."