by Simon Wright

Created on: July 11, 2010   Last Updated: July 13, 2010

There was huge anticipation in the lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, mainly because it was a clash between two great football nations who had never previously won the World Cup trophy. Both sides had been functional rather than spectacular in their progression through to the final but with the abundance of great players on show, such as Villa, Iniesta, Xavi, Robben, Sneijder, and Van Persie, surely it wasn’t too much to expect some fireworks in the final?

As it turned out, however, the only real fireworks were in the form of several overly aggressive tackles that saw English referee Howard Webb overworked in dishing out yellow cards. It was the Dutch who were the main culprits and Webb could (and perhaps should) have sent off any or all of Van Bommel, De Jong, and Sneijder in the first half.

The Spanish were edging the match in terms of possession but continued to look shy of goals. The decision to move top scorer David Villa from the left wing to the centre didn’t seem to work and, as in previous matches, the Spanish central midfield three (of Xavi, Alonso, and Busquets) were reluctant to make runs beyond the opposition’s defence.

The second half was better than the first period. This was probably a reflection of the fact that so many players were on yellow cards and were therefore running scared of making further robust challenges. Both sides had marvellous opportunities to win the match during normal time. The first gilt-edged chance fell to Holland’s best player, Arjen Robben. A great pass split the Spanish defence and Robben surged through with only the advancing Iker Casillas to beat. Robben, admirably, took his time on the shot, waiting for the goalkeeper to commit himself and then flicking the ball towards the corner of the goal. Somehow, though, as he dived the wrong way, a sprawling Casillas managed to get his foot up to divert the ball away from goal, leaving Robben clutching his head in disbelief.

There then followed a magnificent headed chance for Spain’s tall right back, Sergio Ramos. Having been left unmarked from a set piece, all Ramos had to do was direct his head into the goal from about five yards out. Sadly for him, though, his header sailed up over the bar and Spain too had squandered a chance to win the match.

With the sides still deadlocked at 90 minutes, we were faced with 30 minutes of extra time, and the possibility of penalties was looming beyond that. Both sides made full use of their substitute

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