An elated Spain hoist the coveted WORLD CUP in Johannesburg, South Africa after beating The Netherlands in the World Cup finals.

The Spanish ‘Conquistadors’ have crowned themselves World Cup Soccer Champions 2010, defeating the Netherlands by 1-0 in extra time. The victory gave Spain their first hold upon soccer’s prize possession and it also represented Europe’s first ever soccer world championship win outside of that continent.

The final was not one for the soccer purist, but could have been described as a tactical ‘bull fight’. The Spaniards from the start were intent on playing their usual short, snappy passing game through their midfield led by Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso and Bosquets, but encountered hard and physical tackles from the Dutch midfield and defenders, led by Van Bommel and De Jong, who constantly disrupted the quartet’s rhythm. Both players were issued yellow cards – Van Bommel for a reckless tackle on Iniesta and De Jong, who should be thankful that his foot stomp into the chest of Alonso never earned him a red card.

Few scoring chances were created in the first half. A Villa volley from the left side of the box, hitting the side netting was the highlight, as Spain dominated possession; while the Dutch sought to hit back on the break through Robben, whose speed was a constant threat to the Spaniards.

In the second half, the game became more open. The Dutch created their first major chance when playmaker, Sneijder sent Robben clear on goal, but only for Robben to look in disbelief, as Spanish goalkeeper and captain Casillas brilliantly deflected with his outstretch right leg, a shot destined to the left corner of the net. Spain immediately countered and should have taken the lead, but Villa somehow watched his shot from the left side of the six box, blocked by Dutch goalkeeper Stekelenburg on the line.

Spain upped the tempo and again should have taken the lead, but Ramos’ clear header from a Xavi corner kick went over the crossbar. The Dutch again got a golden opportunity, as Robben broke down the middle of the Spanish defense and managed to stay on his feet, shrugging off a tackle from the beaten central defender Puyol, but once again goalkeeper Casillas thwarted his effort, diving at his feet to take the ball.

If he had gone down when tackled, Puyol would have seen red, but instead Robben was shown the yellow card for arguing with the referee’s decision. There is a saying that ‘whatever you sow you shall surely reap’. Robben, throughout the tournament, has often times gone down easily and has drawn the wrath of players and fans. It is ironic that the only time he would have been justified in hitting the turf, he struggled to keep his footing. He was genuinely impeded and his decision sent yet another Dutch opportunity down the tubes.

Spain introduced Fabergas from the bench and it immediately paid dividends as the team tightened their control, heading into extra time. With time slipping away and Spain threatening the Dutch defense, the Dutch found themselves a man down, when defender Heitinga was issued a second yellow card. It was a neat one-two combination between Xavi and Iniesta, which saw Iniesta breaking clear on goal and Hietinga was left with no choice but to commit the foul on Iniesta at the top of the penalty box. The resulting free kick was way off, but the Dutch were left to do battle with 10 men.

Spain finally breached the Dutch defensive lines, when substitute Torres’ square from the left side was blocked at the top of the box by a defender. The ball fell in the path of Fabergas, who passed one touch to his right to Iniesta, player of the final, who calmly waited on the ball to fall into his stride and powered on the half volley pass at a diving Stekelenburg and into the left hand corner of the net. Game over.

Victory for the Spaniards! They have once again ruled the world and the continent of Africa. This time the people of Africa were not to become enslaved workers, but enslaved soccer fans – slaves to the Spanish Matadors’ beautiful game.

For the ‘Oranje’ it was déjà vu; it was their third world cup final defeat. They must take heart and remain strong in their belief in the saying ‘Our day must come.’

In the third place game, Germany with Golden Boot winner Mueller defeated Uruguay-led Golden Ball winner Forlan by three goals to two. Forlan scored another fantastic strike from a one-time volley. The goal came from a right side square into the penalty box, which he hit one time into the right hand corner. It was fitting for Forlan to leave the World Cup with a goal to match his outstanding display of leadership and brilliance. He was the king of the tournament. For the 20-year-old Mueller of Germany, the world awaits more magical moments. With him lies German’s soccer future.