As Iniesta goal gifts nation first World Cup title
Spain won the World Cup for the first time when they beat Netherlands 1-0 after extra time thanks to a goal by midfielder Andres Iniesta.

Iniesta fired home the winner when he was put through in the area by Cesc Fabregas. Keeper Maarten Stekelenburg dived to his right and got a hand to the ball he could not keep it out.

The defeat was heartbreaking for the Dutch, who were down to 10 men after John Heitinga was sent off in extra time. It was their third World Cup final loss after 1974 and 1978.

European champions Spain had looked the more assured early on in the clash at Soccer City as a nervous-looking Dutch side ceded territory to their slick opponents.

Stekelenburg was forced into a save after five minutes when Sergio Ramos headed a Xavi cross goalwards while Spain forward David Villa crashed a volley into the side netting with the goal looming.

Past winners
1930-Uruguay
1934-Italy
1938-Italy
1950-Uruguay
1954-West Germany
1958-Brazil
1962-Brazil
1966-England
1970-Brazil
1974-West Germany
1978-Argentina
1982-Italy
1986-Argentina
1990-West Germany
1994-Brazil
1998-France
2002-Brazil
2006-Italy
2010-Spain

Ends