IFA 2010 World Cup had two winners. The first was Spain that won the quadrennial spectacle for the first in their history, becoming the eighth nation to win the World Cup, and the other winner was the continent of Africa as whites and blacks were seen united as never before while showcasing the mega event.Spain edge past Netherlands 1-0 in the final to become the first European team to have triumphed on a different continent. Spain also became the only second team to win back-to-back to European title and then a World Cup after West Germany in 1970.
For the Netherlands, the Oranje finale jinx came back to haunt them again as they completed the hat-trick of loosing World Cup finals which includes 1974, 1978 and now 2010World Cups.
Touted as one of the most exciting finals before the kick off from the spectators' point of view, it turned out to be one of the most bizarre finals, with both teams failing to play their usual attacking beautiful game and tried to out muscle each other.
It was a dull game for 90 minutes, played physically which resulted in 14 yellow cards in all for both the sides. Oranje turned yellow as Netherlands received eight bookings and John Heitinga of the Netherlands was sent off.
Both the sides got several glorious opportunities to settle the tie in 90 minutes but the players failed to capitalise, notably Ajern Robben and Sergio Ramos who were the best players from either sides. Everyone was looking for individual glory and that was one of the reasons that the game ended goal-less in normal time. Iniesta eventually scored the winner helped by an assist for Cesc Fabregas in second half of extra time on 115th minute mark.
Spain's Iker Casillas received the World Cup trophy, Best Goal Keeper honour and as well as Fair Team Play award. Diego Forlan of Uruguay received Golden Ball as he was adjudged as Best Player of the Tournament. Thomas Mueller of Germany won the Golden Boot award for five goals plus three assists and Young Player of the Tournament. Germany piped Uruguay to win the 3rd-4th place play off against Uruguay 3-2, as the match was no short of drama with both sides going out with full throttle for a respectable consolation win.
Earlier Uruguay and Germany lost their semi finals to Netherlands and Spain respectively. Oranje won the thriller against the South Americans to progress into the finals. Diego Forlan's and Pereira's goal went in vain as they were not able to resist the Netherland's attacking potent Sneijder, Robben and company.
Young guns of Germany who had surpassed all expectations by reaching the semi finals were badly exposed by Spanish team mastery in midfield that kept possession and didn't let the Germans to settle on the ball.
