Spain beats Netherland 1-0 for World Cup

Spain rules the soccer world, winning the World Cup at long last.

It came after an exhausting 1-0 victory in extra time over the Netherlands today on Sunday to a croud of 84,490. 

This was a physical test that sometimes turned dirty. With a finals-record 13 yellow cards were handed out and the Dutch finished with 10 men. 

The Dutch wore orange, the Spanish wore Black.

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 his teammates. Several Dutch players wiped away tears as they received their medals as runners-up—yet again. They won every qualifying match and all six previous games in South Africa before this loss.

The Netherlands now has more victories in World Cup games without a title than any nation: 19. 

Aside from a European title in 1988, the Dutch have not won any higher trophies.

Second-ranked Spain started this World Cup not doing well, losing to Switzerland. But Spain won every game after that, including a 1-0 victory over powerful German team that was far more one-sided than the score indicated. No other nation has won the World Cup after losing its opener.

The goalkeeper, Stekelenburg, relatively inexperienced was the best with a spectacular left leg save.