Spain have been crowned World Cup champions for the first time, beating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final.
The two teams entered Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg to the deafening sound of thousands of vuvuzela horns.
Spain had the first good chance to score after 10 minutes. A powerful header from Sergio Ramos forced the Netherlands goalkeeper into making a great save.
English referee Howard Webb had a lot to do. There were loads of fouls, and he gave five players yellow cards in the first 30 minutes.
The Netherlands' Nigel de Jong was lucky not to get sent off for booting Spain's Xabi Alonso in the chest!
The Netherlands had very few chances in the first half. This saved shot from Arjen Robben in the last minute was the closest they got.
After a disappointing first 45 minutes, the second half got really exciting. Robben was one-on-one with the Spanish keeper, but his shot was brilliantly saved.
Spain's David Villa had lots of chances in the second half. Here his close-range shot is blocked by a Netherlands defender.
Robben had another great opportunity to win the game, but it stayed 0-0 after 90 minutes and the match went to extra-time.
Things really heated up in extra-time. Spain played some great football and had lots of chances to score. Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas had two shots at goal which nearly went in.
The Netherlands' John Heitinga was sent off for holding back Andres Iniesta as he was about to shoot.
Six minutes later Iniesta scored the winning goal after a great pass from Fabregas. The Spanish players and fans went absolutely crazy!
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