Spain celebrates Iniesta, World Cup
source : CNN.com
Spain won the World Cup for the first time in its history as an extra-time goal from midfielder Andres Iniesta gave his country a last-gasp 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final at Soccer City.
The showpiece game of the South Africa-hosted tournament on Sunday was littered with no less than 13 yellow cards and one red but was settled by a moment of magic by the Barcelona man after he was played in by substitute Cesc Fabregas.
His 116th-minute strike was the goal all Spaniards were waiting for and spared both sides the agony of deciding the new world champions by penalties.
The breakthrough came after the Dutch had been reduced to 10 men, following Johnny Heitinga’s dismissal in the second half of extra time by referee Howard Webb for a foul on Iniesta.
“It’s incredible,” Iniesta told gathered media in a post-match news conference.
“What a joy especially when you see how we won it. There aren’t the words to describe what I am feeling. After my goal, I thought about my family and all the people who I love. But the victory is the fruit of a lot of work,” an emotional Iniesta told reporters.
Spain coach Vincente del Bosque added to the happy sentiment following his side’s victory: “Today is a reward for beautiful football. Everyone in the dressing room is ecstatic,” he said. continue reading…
