Netherlands v Spain: A Spain supporter flies the flag with the sun shining high above the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg to create a perfect scene ahead of the World Cup final
And even hours before the 1930 BST kick-off time, the Netherlands supporters are out in force as the atmosphere builds towards a stunning crescendo ahead of Sunday's showpiece finale
Inside the Soccer City Stadium preparations are well under way for the closing ceremony that will precede the World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain, amid rumours Nelson Mandela will greet the players
And when it gets under way, the promised wealth of music, dance and special effects does not disappoint, with the likes of Shakira entertaining an expectant crowd in the Soccer City Stadium
The icing on the cake is the appearance of Nelson Mandela, who is greeted by a huge ovation when he makes his way on to the pitch to greet fans and provide a fitting climax to a triumphant closing ceremony
Soon enough, though, attention turns to football matters in Johannesburg - and the Netherlands, featuring the recalled Nigel de Jong and Greogry van der Wiel, are the first out and about to sample the atmosphere
Spain, on the other hand, are unchanged from the XI that beat Germany in the semi-finals - meaning there is no place in the starting line-up again for star striker Fernando Torres, who is rumoured to be injured
It is a momentous occasion, too, for the three officials - referee Howard Webb and his assistants Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey - who ensure there is at least some English presence in the final
The game finally gets going but quickly becomes a physical affair. Several players go into English referee Webb's notebook, including Nigel De Jong after this reckless challenge on Xabi Alonso
It's certainly not the easiest game for Webb to take charge of, with tackles flying in all over the place. The pressure seems to be getting to both sets of players in the first half
Spain struggle to make the most of their possession while the Netherlands are happy to sit back and hit on the break. Here, goalkeeper Iker Casillas just about snuffs out a Dutch attack
The best chance of the game falls to Arjen Robben, who is sent through on goal courtesy of a fine ball from Wesley Sneijder. But Casillas comes off his line superbly to block with his foot
At the other end, Spain keep pushing for the breakthrough and David Villa looks the most likely to get it. With the clock ticking down on 90 minutes the striker is denied by a brilliant block by John Heitinga
The game goes into extra-time and the Dutch chances are rocked when defender John Heitinga is dismissed by Webb after a foul on Andres Iniesta
With few clear-cut chances created, a penalty shoot-out looks almost certain. But with only four minutes of extra-time to go, Andres Iniesta collects a ball from Cesc Fabregas and scores the only goal of the final
The Barcelona midfielder slots past goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and runs to the corner flag, sparking wild celebrations from Spanish supporters and players
The Spanish players rush to celebrate with their goalscoring hero, jumping on top of Iniesta in the knowledge that their first World Cup win is only seconds away
For the Dutch it is a case of so near but so far as Webb blows the final whistle. 2010 is added to 1974 and 1978 in the list of World Cup final defeats for the men in Orange
Spain captain Casillas holds the World Cup trophy aloft as ticker tape falls at Soccer City. Spain have now completed a double after their European Championship win in 2008
~RS~a~RS~International~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~48~RS~){kind=small}
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~48~RS~)
E-mail this to a friend
Bookmark with:
What are these?