Welcome to the greatest single sporting occasion on planet earth.

I know, I’ve had a lifetime to write that opening comment. But whatever I tried just sounded - how can I put this? - not grand enough. Anyway, you don’t need me to explain the enormity of this particular live text. It’s the World Cup final, the Netherlands versus Spain for the biggest prize in sport.

I’m Jonathan Stevenson, I’m in Johannesburg right next to the venue for tonight’s showpiece occasion, and I’m sure you won’t mind me telling you that this is probably the most significant day of my (working) life thus far. It’s certainly a lot more fun than how I spent my day two months ago today, anyway.

I’ll try not to get too overwhelmed by it all, but you might have to rein me in a little from time to time. Please, please, please get in touch today, because this is a special day for all of us. I’ll keep reminding you, but here’s how you take part on World Cup final day:
By tweeting me @Stevo_football;
By texting me on 81111 (UK) and +44 7786200666 (worldwide);
By signing up and signing in on the 606 debate of truth.

PS Hey, can you please put 'FOOTBALL' in front of any texts, because I've just been told there's another significant sporting event happening today in the UK. Ah, the UK. Has it changed much in the last five weeks?

News reaches us from the great and good at Fifa that they expect the global television audience for tonight to exceed the 700 million who watched Italy beat France on penalties four years ago. Interestingly, the United States has reported a 50% increase in overall figures compared to 2006.

"Spain is now the great favourite. Del Bosque's team has grown in strength and finds itself in the final at the top of its game. In the semi, Germany played football which would have been enough to beat any team, but not Spain. Spain, a replica of Barca, is the best publicity for football. Who am I supporting? I am Dutch but I support the football that Spain is playing."

By the way, I hope you managed to catch some of last night's bronze medal match. It turned into a cracker between Uruguay and Germany, with Joachim Loew's side sneaking a five-goal thriller. It's also made the race for the Golden Shoe more interesting, didn't it Thomas Mueller?

News just in from Berlin: Germany's president says he will award coach Joachim Loew the country's Federal Cross of Merit for taking them to third place at the World Cup. President Christian Wulff said in a televised press conference on Sunday that the players will be decorated with the Silver Laurel.

I love the start to this Reuters piece, so I'm going to share it with you: "Hordes of orange-clad Dutch fans and red-bedecked Spaniards were battling it out in Johannesburg to see who could sing the loudest, drink the most and dress the silliest ahead of Sunday's World Cup final."

"There is a bit of a tear in my eye thinking of the semi-final we lost, but there is a smile in the other one as we showed both heart and courage against Uruguay. If we keep improving like this, sooner or later the trophy will be ours."

Anyway, there’s a very sketchy plan for this particular Sunday 11 July, but as long as we all appreciate that flexibility is king, it’ll run like a dream. Effectively, myself in Johannesburg and Chris Bevan in Cape Town will guide you through proceedings, with the closing ceremony (sniff) getting under way shortly after 1730 BST and the World Cup final kicking off at 1930 BST. Sound OK?

True to my word about constant reminders, here's how you get involved on World Cup final day: you tweet me @Stevo_football (what a day to crash through the 10,000 barrier this would be), you text me on 81111 (UK) and +44 7786200666 (worldwide), and you join up and join in on 606.

Uruguay striker Diego Forlan on Twitter: "La mesa del mundial, nacho, la tota, juan, diego, andres y yo. Nos hemos divertido mucho."

"There are players from all over Spain here in the squad, we are united and I hope the same feeling of unity occurs back in Spain. I think sport does many good things and I hope football could lead to better relations in our country."

"Scoring goals is unimportant now. This is a new match, a special match. We have lots of players who can score a goal and so do Spain. We have got to believe in ourselves and not be afraid. We are convinced we can win."

“Stevo, stop your wittering on and tell us what Paul the psychic octopus has predicted for this evening.” Hearing you, loud and clear. Having correctly forecast all of Germany’s results so far in the tournament, the footballing foreseer (used it before I know, but I was pretty happy with it) now reckons Spain will beat Netherlands in the final. But wait, the plot thickens. A parakeet called Mani in Singapore is giving Predo Paul a run for his money after correctly identifying all four semi-finalists. Mani has gone for the Netherlands - it’s a straight shootout.

I cannot believe it's a month ago that I rocked up at Soccer City, watched Siphiwe Tshabalala smash the ball into the top corner and watched a nation go absolutely mental. A month. The area around the stadium at 1000 BST this morning was humming already, with a few hundred fans getting in the mood and a few hundred police taking their last orders too.

It’s fair to say that most media outlets throw the kitchen sink at the World Cup final, and I’d like to think we’re no different. But apart from the obvious analytical/preview stuff, there are lots of articles/videos etc with a difference - from the final episode of Special 1 TV, to South Africa president Jacob Zuma talking about how the World Cup has “united” his country, to the top 10 goals of the tournament. Oh, and Brazil 2014 have unveiled their new logo too, which is utterly brilliant.

I can hear Vuvuzelas outside, I think I'm really going to miss those controversial trumpets you know. The main Fifa control room at the International Broadcast Centre in Joburg has about a million screens - it's quite a sight - and almost all of them are showing views from Soccer City right now. I got dizzy just peering in from outside.

Did you know that the Netherlands and Spain have never previously before met in a European Championship or a World Cup? Bizarre, isn't it? They've met nine times overall with four wins apiece, and the Dutch triumphed 1-0 at their last rendez-vous in a friendly on 27 March 2002 thanks to Frank de Boer's goal.

The world is waiting to find out whether the great Nelson Mandela will attend the final this evening. The 91-year-old, who shares a birthday with yours truly, has been put under "extreme pressure" by Fifa to appear, according to his grandson Mandla Mandela.

Frankly, our friends at Infostrada Sports make every day a better day, and this won't be the exception. Here's some early chat from the stat kings: "The only other World Cup final to take place on 11 July was 28 years ago when Italy beat West Germany 3-1 in Madrid. Forty-four years ago today, the 1966 World Cup opened with a goalless draw between England and Uruguay. It was the first of four successive clean sheets kept by England who won their only World Cup 19 days later.

My World Cup final memories are a bit sketchy until 12 years ago. In 1986 I was too young to watch all of it, in 1990 I was at my brother's school play and in 1994 I think I watched it half asleep like everyone else. In 1998 I was glued to the telly with my dad as the BBC tried to discover if Brazil's Ronaldo was even playing or not. I wonder whether we'll get a big pre-match story this evening. Anyway, your memories please.

“This is a historic event, a unique opportunity for us all. It makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up just thinking about it. We have all dreamed of this moment. But we have to finish the dream. We cannot celebrate anything yet. Before us is the challenge of winning a World Cup. We are cautious because we know that we still have the last step, and that last step is the most difficult and the most beautiful."

“It is our tournament. I have sometimes had the feeling that we cannot lose. We have not always played very well, but we have scored at pivotal moments. We have so often gone so close to a title that it would be nice to finish with a smile one day.”

Right then folks, now the British GP has been won by an Australian, can I have your full attention? I need your involvement - it is World Cup final day after all. Get the texts in to 81111 (UK) and +44 7786200666 (worldwide), get tweeting me @Stevo_football and pop along to 606.

Hold the phone, I've got my three-and-a-lot-year-old nephew's predo. Nathan reckons Spain will win 1-0 tonight, with Andres Iniesta bagging the winning goal. Thanks to his dad for squeezing that out of him as they tear it up at Sundown Adventureland (other fun times for kids are available).

Remember, there will be English involvement in the final this evening in the shape of referee Howard Webb and his assistants Darren Cann and Michael Mullarkey. The 38-year-old former police sergeant Webb has already taken charge of Spain 0-1 Switzerland, Slovakia 3-2 Italy and Brazil 3-0 Chile. He’s the first English ref to officiate the World Cup final since Jack Taylor in 1974.

“We are delighted to have been selected for the game, it is a wonderful honour and a privilege. It is the ultimate honour for a referee. We will be proud to be able to show the ability and quality of match officials in England when we take to the field.”

“I believe Howard is the best referee this country has ever produced. It's a huge honour and this is a great reflection of English officiating, it says that we're respected. He's a great guy, an excellent referee and it's just rewards for all his efforts.”

Breaking news: Nelson Mandela's grandson indicates the 91-year-old wants to go to the World Cup final to greet fans.

"The Dutch have become a little like the Germans of yesteryear: realism has replaced beautiful football. Of course, it is not always pretty to the eye, and I would like more time spent playing nice football, but what (the coach Bert) van Marwijk and his players have succeeded in doing is extraordinary."

Don’t be shy, I want to know your player of the tournament. Golden Ball winners of yore include Diego Armando Maradona, Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima and Zinedine Zidane - and one from David Villa, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lionel Messi, Asamoah Gyan and Diego Forlan will follow in their footsteps today.

The Netherlands stand on the brink of a feat accomplished only once before, by the brilliant Brazilians of 1970 - to win every single qualifying game and every match at the tournament too. This is a team that has now won 10 games in a row and is unbeaten in 25, both Dutch records. Their 14 competitive wins in a row is a new European record too.

Nelson Mandela update: The icon will greet fans at Soccer City at the World Cup closing ceremony  on Sunday but is likely to return home to watch the game on television, his grandson told the AFP news agency.

Soccer City is open for business, by the way, so if you're one of the lucky ones who have got a golden ticket, feel free to go and sample the pre-match atmosphere. I mean we've only got a little over three-and-a-half hours left until kick-off.

"We don't want to become another clockwork orange, we want to be the champions. We want to go down in history by lifting this trophy. It would be hugely just for football, good for this sport and, what's more, this generation of players deserves it."

“I would much prefer to win a very ugly game than lose a beautiful one. The point is, we are in a World Cup final. From now on how you actually play no longer matters. We will defend from the front - no-one here feels they are too special to get their hands dirty."

BBC Sport presenter and World Cup legend Gary Lineker, who played for Barcelona in the 1980s, reckons Spain "play the most attacking, adventurous and stylish football." The 1986 Golden Shoe winner is full of praise for the Netherlands too, but adds: "I have tipped Spain to triumph all along, just as I did two years ago. I am definitely going to stick with them now."

Spain have scored only seven goals at the World Cup, you might like to know, with only David Villa, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol notching. The fewest goals netted by any World Cup-winning team is 11, by England in 1966 and Brazil in 1994. The Netherlands have so far banged in 12.

"We decided to make holding on to the ball our virtue - to defend with the ball, to attack with the ball, everything centered on maintaining possession with everything stemming out of the midfield. Whoever owns the midfield, owns the game. Physically and psychologically, Spain are ready."

"Dutch football has always been very good. In every tournament we have shown there is quality. In this tournament we have shown we have more than quality. We also have belief. We believe we can beat every opponent. We have the patience to do it."

“[On Spain's Dutch influence] I can talk to you about Louis van Gaal and Johan Cruyff, who brought important players through from the youth system at Barcelona. Frank Rijkaard also pushed the 4-3-3 philosophy which is important for Barca and has also helped the national team.”

Let us not forget that the Netherlands v Spain is the first World Cup final without Argentina, Brazil, Italy or West Germany. Whoever wins tonight will become the eighth winners after Brazil (5), Italy (4), (West) Germany (3), Argentina (2), Uruguay (2), England (1) and France (1). As Europe are guaranteed to win, Uefa will go 10-9 up over the Conmebol nations in World Cup victories.

There has been a lot of talk about the Netherlands midfield enforcer Mark van Bommel this week and his crucial role in trying to stop Spain playing. BBC blogger Paul Fletcher believes “how effectively he performs on Sunday will directly impact on Spain's much-feted passing game.”

I think it's time to hand over to Chris Bevan in Cape Town. Hey, you enjoy yourselves, won't you? Happy World Cup final day, may the best team triumph and may football be the biggest winner of them all.

Hello there, yes I'm Chris Bevan, and I am indeed still in Cape Town - for another 24 hours or so anyway. So, how has Africa's first World Cup been for you? Yes, I know it's far from over yet - and let's hope Spain and the Netherlands can end the tournament with a bang tonight - but in six hours time we will definitely know who the new world champions are. Excited? Yes, me too.

If you give this page a manual refresh then Jonathan Stevenson will be consigned to World Cup history - which is the best place for him, don't you think? All done? Good, we will proceed. I hope you are all ready for this too because, one way or another, the next few hours are going to be very special.

More than 700m people watched the last World Cup final, and I'm expecting roughly the same amount to get in touch with me over the next few hours as we build up to this one. You don't have to be Paul the psychic octopus to know the score here either - text me on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide), I'm on http://www.bbc.co.uk/chrisbevan_bbc or you can always get involved on 606.

Clarence Seedorf reached a World Cup semi-final with the Netherlands in 1998, and he knows a thing or two (or four) about winning the Champions League too, so he is clearly no stranger to the big stage. Like Atte (below), I spoke to the AC Milan midfielder this week to find out who he is backing. Er, it's the Dutch, as it happens. "I do not think many people - myself included - really expected them to get this far but I am very proud of what they have achieved," Seedorf told me "To beat the European champions this weekend they must stick to the game plan that has brought them success in South Africa which is not focusing too much on playing beautiful football, just about winning games and getting the job done."

"In the past, Spain were always technically and tactically very capable but they went to pieces mentally on the pitch at the major tournaments. The reason they have been so successful recently is that through their club teams, and specifically Barcelona, they have developed a winning mentality and arrogance to go with it."

I'm about 780 miles south-west of Johannesburg, where the final will take place in 94,700-capacity Soccer City Stadium, but don't you go thinking football fever has waned in this part of South Africa since the last match took place here on Tuesday (the Netherlands' 3-2 win over Uruguay in their semi-final). There were still hundreds of fans (Spanish and Dutch) on the Waterfront when I wandered down there earlier today, and the locals have all adopted their own favourites since Bafana Bafana crashed out earlier in the tournament. Who has got the most support? Well, put it this way, there are still an awful lot of people who are dressed or painted in orange.

If the fact that the final is tonight isn't enough of a clue for us all that the 19th World Cup is almost over, there is a closing ceremony shortly before it too. Now, I'll be honest, I've watched the last six World Cups and I cannot remember a single moment of the closing ceremonies from any of them, but Shakira is singing at this one - so I promise you I will be giving it my full attention. At the moment, there is a huge canvas covering the pitch, some of it painted in a similar pattern to the stadium itself, but nothing is going on - expect that to change in an hour-and-a-half or so.

Shakira, who has picked Spain as likely winners tonight, will be performing the hit song 'Waka Waka' with Timmy Mallett. Ok, maybe she will just be singing it on her own. There is plenty more going on in the ceremony too, though, which promises to "pay tribute to the unique and colourful spirit, and warmth, of the African continent and it's people."

OK, we know who the octopus thinks will win (Spain). But what about that other renowned foreseer of footballing facts of the future, World Cup Motty? "The rapier thrusts of Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben could be decisive but they have got to contain the subtle passing skills of the Spanish midfield - they keep the ball so well," says Motty. "Holland have got to break up that possession football and try to strike at the other end as quickly as they can. I think it will be mighty close, I think it will go to extra-time and just feel Spain with their possession football, might have the edge. I still believe Fernando Torres could be the unknown factor in this final, he hasn't played a full game yet but you never know, he might come on as a substitute and score the winning goals."

The closing ceremony will, er, open any second now. Looks like most of the crowd have got there in time to see it too. I guess Shakira has that effect on everyone?

Here we go. The stadium has been plunged into darkness. Either the closing ceremony is about to start, or someone forgot to pay the electricity bill.

Just as with the opening ceremony, the stadium has had a fly-by from the South African version of the Red Arrows. I couldn't see them (it's dark and the TV camera was pointing in the wrong direction) but I certainly heard them.

We're currently paying tribute to the other stadiums that have hosted matches at this World Cup, thanks to a natty bit of special FX that projected pictures of them on to the canvas covering the pitch. I'll be honest with you, this looks pretty awesome.

Here she is, Shakira, and Freshlyground of course, singing 'Waka Waka'. Someone in my office is blowing a vuvuzela in tribute.

They promised unique special effects in this ceremony and they weren't kidding. Right now, the pitch is now a giant newspaper - which is ripped open to reveal action from the early matches (probably not much from France v Uruguay made the cut).

We are still covering the group stages I think. The flags of all the participating nations have been revealed on the pitch (like a patchwork quilt) by an army of fans, and then just been squashed into the shape of the African continent. Not sure how they are going to represent Germany crushing England in the second round through the medium of dance and light, but it looks like they are going to give it a go.

"When we won the rights to host the World Cup, we knew that working together we would be able to succeed. However, what has happened so far, has exceeded our expectations. That is because of the role played by our people, the South Africans. They are the stars and champions of this tournament." 

Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo have got the stadium transfixed with a song about rain, while the pitch begins to flood (thankfully, it's another special effect).

Luckily, some 'elephants' have turned up to drink the water and drain the pitch. While that was happening we moved on to the story of the semi-finals, and we are now watching the Gumboot Dance. The action is currently is a bit like the video to Run DMC vs Jason Nevins' 'It's like that'. Comprehendo? No, thought not.

Right, that's the end of the closing ceremony, which was pretty amazing actually. Are they all that good? I hope you enjoyed it, if you could watch it. The even better news is that we are about 75 minutes away from kick-off of the World Cup final.

Here comes Nelson Mandela.

BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Fernando Torres has been left out of Spain's starting line-up, with Pedro getting the nod ahead of him just as in the semi-final win over Germany. Full line-ups to follow very shortly.

It doesn't appear that Nelson Mandela will address the crowd at Soccer City Stadium, but it is fantastic that he is just there.

Netherlands: 1-Maarten Stekelenburg; 2-Gregory van der Wiel, 3-John Heitinga, 4-Joris Mathijsen, 5-Giovanni van Bronckhorst; 7-Dirk Kuyt, 6-Mark van Bommel, 10-Wesley Sneijder, 8-Nigel de Jong, 11-Arjen Robben; 9-Robin van Persie.

Spain: 1-Iker Casillas; 15-Sergio Ramos, 3-Gerard Pique, 5-Carles Puyol, 11-Joan Capdevila; 14-Xabi Alonso, 8-Xavi, 6-Andres Iniesta, 16-Sergio Busquets; 18-Pedro, 7-David Villa.

Referee: Howard Webb (England)
 

Incredible scenes back in Amsterdam, where officials have urged fans to stay out of the Dutch capital, where 100,000 people have gathered on Museumplein (Museum Square) to watch a giant screen showing the game. "We urge people not to come, for public safety reasons but also simply because they won't be able to see anything of the match," municipal spokesman Bas Bruijn said.

The Netherlands make two changes to the side that started against Uruguay in the semi-finals as Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong return from suspension to replace Khalid Boulahrouz and Demy De Zeeuw. Spain, meanwhile, are unchanged from their last four victory over Germany, so Pedro is preferred to Fernando Torres and David Villa occupies the lone striker role.

Ex-Oasis star Noel Gallagher will be at the final at Soccer City and he has also made his prediction. What's the story then Noel? "The Spanish are the best team in the world. Since the year leading up to the European Championships and subsequently from that they have been amazing." So, what's the, er, masterplan for a Spain victory? "The key part of the pitch is can Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel stop Andres Iniesta and and Xavi doing the business," added Gallagher. "De Jong plays at Man City and he's a stopper. Van Bommel, he's just destruction on legs. But the Spanish players face that a lot in the Champions League. I think it will be won and lost in the midfield."

Mr Gallagher is not the only person who thinks the Dutch face an uphill task this evening. In his tactical analysis of the final, Lee Dixon feels they could actually do with having another couple of holding midfielders sitting in front of their back four - making four in all. How about the Oranje's chances of creating chances themselves? "Basically, every time I look at a possible way that the Dutch might threaten, I look at Spain and think that I cannot really see them allowing them to do that. All I can see is a Spanish win."

With just over 35 minutes to go until kick-off, the players are out on the pitch and warming up. I've got a part to play in this World Cup tonight too, as I'm yet to cast my vote for the 'golden ball' - the award for the outstanding player of the tournament. I've got until the final whistle to decide so I'm going to leave it as late as possible, although I've got a few ideas. Your thoughts, as ever, are welcome.

There is some speculation that Fernando Torres is injured and may not be able to play any part tonight. I guess we will find out in the course of the next couple of hours or so, but it is sad that a player of his ability has been short of fitness and/or sharpness for this entire tournament.

Right then, we are fast approaching kick-off, so it is time for me to hand you over to Jonathan Stevenson, who is at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. Just a reminder you can watch this game live on BBC One and this website (if you are in the UK). Whether you are a fan of the Dutch or a Spanish supporter, enjoy the game - I will be.

Welcome back to Johannesburg. Now, can I interest anyone in a new winner of the World Cup? Then don’t even think about going anywhere for the next three hours. Or more.

Could you refresh your page, please? I’m Jonathan Stevenson, and I’m the lucky one who gets to present to you our coverage of the Netherlands v Spain, the final of the 19th World Cup.

Now then, as I gave a World Cup final Stevo predo to a Russian website earlier, I think it's only fair I give the same one to you guys. Here we go:

Netherlands 1-2 Spain

Italy 2006 World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro emerges on to the pitch at Soccer City, carrying the Fifa World Cup Trophy in a case. It's an official handover from old champions to new, if you like.

It's now or never: you call. I'm around on Twitter @Stevo_football; I get texts on 81111 (UK) and +44 7786200666 (worldwide); and there's a 606 page too. Oh goodness me, the World Cup final teams are in the tunnel.

“I have been coach for two years and I have often thought I would love to play Spain, who I think have been the best footballing country of the last few years, and it is happening now. It is unbelievable. It is the most important match in my football life and that applies to all the players. It is an extraordinary situation. No Dutch player has ever been a world champion."

“I don't think the Netherlands will change its way of playing just because it is up against Spain. I don't believe in any way there will be a change in their script, in what they are thinking of doing. I don't think so. We both have our scripts written and we shouldn't veer from them.”

Referee Howard Webb of England leads the Netherlands, skippered by Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Spain, captained by Iker Casillas, out on to the pitch at Soccer City. As is the custom in South Africa, Webb picks up the Jabulani ball from the plinth, and the teams line up for the national anthems. Only difference is this time they are standing either side of the Fifa World Cup Trophy.

I just had goosebumps for four minutes. It's shiver down the spine stuff in Johannesburg, and we're moments away from the World Cup final.

First clumsy tackle of the evening and no, it's not Mark van Bommel. Robin van Persie catches Sergio Busquets, and the Dutch have had a little more of the very early stages.

First sniff of an opening for David Villa, but he's correctly adjudged to be half a yard offside from Pedro's almost brilliant pass.

That's a proper chance - and a proper save from Maaretn Stekelenburg. Xavi whips a free-kick in from the Spain right and Sergio Ramos bravely gets there first, powering a header goalwards that the big Dutch stopper does well to turn away to his right.

Horrible touch from Sergio Busquets in a very dangerous place for Spain, but Dirk Kuyt's shot from 30 yards bounces safely into the arms of Iker Casillas.

Iker Casillas admitted he was feeling nervous in the build-up, and there are hints some of his team-mates are too as Sergio Ramos nearly throws the ball straight to Dirk Kuyt only for Carles Puyol to intervene. At the other end, Ramos goes past Dirk Kuyt only for John Heitinga to whack away inside his own six-yard box, and a moment later David Villa volleys into the side-netting from an angle on the left.

The Dutch are giving the ball away a bit too much at the moment. Spain haven't quite got into their very best rhythm, but it won't be long coming if they keep getting it back so often.

Traditional football shirt-numbering fans might like to know that the Netherlands line-up in a classic 1 to 11 formation. Our friends at Infostrada Sports tell us this is the first time this has happened in a World Cup final since squad numbers were introduced in 1954.

I'd say at the moment Pedro almost looks Spain's liveliest player, along with Sergio Ramos anyway. Meanwhile, you'll be glad to know Xabi Alonso is back on the pitch. Andres Iniesta's pass is off target, that doesn't happy very often. Nervy.

Too many stoppages for the game to flow properly at the moment. I'm not blaming Howard Webb, but it is getting quite niggly. He gives a free-kick for a non-foul on Arjen Robben, before the Dutch almost score when the ball takes a horrible bounce as they try and give it back to Spain after an injury stoppage. Iker Casillas is at full stretch to feather it behind, but the Netherlands give the corner straight to the Spanish captain.

Yeah, this game needs a goal. They are both just cancelling each other out, there's very little quality football going on. The Dutch play a corner to the edge of the box and Mark van Bommel scuffs his shot into the path of Joris Mathijsen eight yards out, but his contact is even less clean.

Pedro collects the ball inside the centre-circle and runs at the Dutch backline, but his left-foot shot from 25 yards is well wide of Maarten Stekelenburg's left-hand post. Good intent from the forward.

There's a nasty collision between Wesley Sneijder and Sergio Busquets inside the Netherlands half and Sneijder gets a ticking off from Howard Webb. Spain have started knocking it around a bit better in the last few minutes, before Xabio Alonso hits a ridiculously optimistic free-kick wide from about 45 yards.

People in the crowd are going inside for their half-time refreshments. It's the World Cup final, but it's getting desperate.

A shot, a save! The ball falls to Arjen Robben on the right-hand corner of the penalty area and his left-foot strike is parried away from his near post by Iker Casillas. We'll take what we can get.

So, Spain have managed to go through their entire World Cup campaign without conceding a goal in the first half. Nice one. Meanwhile, er, how do I put this, let's have a shout out to Caroline, Victoria, Anna and Daniel, who were apparently in the middle of an actual hurricane in Lucerne, Switzerland on Saturday and may be lucky to be watching the World Cup final at all. Though they might not feel like that right at this moment.

Back under way inside Soccer City in Johannesburg. Can't be any worse, can it? The person who's probably most pleased about how it's going is young Germany forward Thomas Mueller, who leads the race for the Golden Shoe right now. He's got five, but he's in the lead by virtue of having three assists.

Arjen Robben turns beautifully away from Xabi Alonso inside the Spain half, but his slide-rule pass to Robin van Persie is just too strong for the Arsenal striker.

What a chance. What. A. Chance. Xavi drifts a corner over from the right and semi-final hero Carles Puyol glances towards the back post where Joan Capdevila completely mis-kicks three yards out.

The Netherlands' turn to attack as Gregory van der Wiel does well to get forward down their right, but his cross along the six-yard box is a good 10 yards ahead of any Dutch forwards and Spain clear comfortably. It's a little livelier, though.

Arjen Robben hits a speculative left-footer from 30 yards, but Iker Casillas is paying attention and saves low down to his left.

Xavi gets it up and over the wall, but it's about two feet too high and two feet too wide and Maarten Stekelenburg lets it go past.

Andres Iniesta fouls Wesley Sneijder and thankfully Howard Webb keeps his cards in his pocket this time. I think Webb's done well, most of the yellows so far have been warranted. In fact, he's probably trying hard to keep it 11 v 11. The players aren't.

Biggest moment of the match. Wesley Sneijder, on halfway, manages to slip a pass forward that Gerard Pique slightly misjudges and suddenly Arjen Robben is clean through. Time seems to stand still as Robben gets in on his trusty left boot, but after picking his spot Iker Casillas makes a brilliant save with his legs.

David Villa, who has had to feed off scraps today, is flagged offside as he chases a ball into the Dutch half. Moments later, he's got his hands on his head. Jesus Navas' cross from the right is missed by John Heitinga  and it falls to Villa, who sees his shot hit the leg of a grounded Heitinga and fly over the bar.

Free-kick to Spain, 25 yards out. David Villa promptly spoons it over and wide for good measure.

Our friends at Infostrada Sports tell us that Howard Webb joins hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst in setting a World Cup final record. John Heitinga's yellow card way back when was the seventh of this match, breaking the record for a World Cup final. Webb went ahead of Brazilian referee Romuald Arppi Filho who showed six cards in the 1986 final.

After Arjen Robben's miss, that's one apiece in the gilt-edged stakes. A Spain corner finds Sergio Ramos unmarked, six yards out in the middle of the area, but he can only power a header over. A minute later he still has his hands on his head.

Spain are cranking it up a bit at Soccer City, they look the likelier of the two teams to nick a late winner at the moment. Some gaps are starting to open up for them, and even Xavi is pushing on more.

Definite gaps. Andres Iniesta jinks his way into the Dutch area down the left and he is only prevented from shooting by a desperate though excellent challenge from Wesley Sneijder.

More gaps. Arjen Robben does Carles Puyol for pace, burning past the defender as they chased a flick on into the Spain half and with Puyol trying to haul Robben back, he stays on his feet, only to be met by Iker Casillas, who races off his line to gather. Robben races up to Howard Webb and demands a free-kick - to be fair to the Bayern winger, he's been penalised for staying on his feet there. Unlucky.

Goodness it's tense. Worth remembering that neither of these countries has won a World Cup before, so you can forgive them their nerves I'm sure.

Of the 84,490 inside Soccer City, you will not find a more gutted man than Dutch winger Arjen Robben. As soon as the whistle went he had his hands on his head again, presumably still distraught by that miss on 62 minutes. Ryan Babel goes across to have a comforting word.

The Spanish bench are furious because they want a penalty for John Heitinga's foul on Xavi inside the box. Howard Webb points to the corner spot instead.

Now it's Cesc Fabregas's turn to be distraught. He runs on to a perfectly weighted through ball from Andres Iniesta and it looks all the world as though he has to score, but the Arsenal captain's shot is blocked brilliantly by Maarten Stekelenburg.

Trading wastefulness now. A Netherlands corner falls perfectly on to the head of Joris Mathijsen, but he can only nod over. Got to hit the target.

How is it still 0-0 now? Jesus Navas gets into space down the Spain right and surges into the area - his shot takes a wicked deflection off Gio van Bronckhorst and flies into the side-netting. Could've gone anywhere.

Top stuff from Cesc Fabregas, once again injecting life and pace into the Spanish play. He races forward from halfway, committing defenders in the process and eventually shooting a couple of yards wide from just outside the box.

To say footballers are supposed to hate penalty shootouts, they don't half seem to play for them a lot. The Dutch are content to knock it around and take the ultimate sporting lottery, it seems.

Wesley Sneijder's free-kick from 35 yards takes a big deflection off Cesc Fabregas, but Howard Webb gives a goalkick. They show it on the big screen at Soccer City. Why?

The Dutch, who have lost two World Cup finals before, have a matter of seconds left to get themselves back into this one. Time is slipping away.

We're into added time at the end of extra-time. The board goes up - WE'VE GOT TWO MORE MINUTES!!

Arjen Robben pumps the ball into the Spain box but it's cleared. Seconds left, and I can't feel my hands.

Do all football matches have to end like this? Mark van Bommel gets straight into the face of Howard Webb on the final whistle, it's horrible to see stuff like that. Iker Casillas, meanwhile, is bawling his eyes out. Spain have won the World Cup. Wow.

Add: I don't think there's a player on the pitch that isn't crying.

The Spain players go over to a massive group of their fans in one corner of Soccer City and they are leaping and dancing around and hugging each other. Just over two years ago, Spain were the biggest disappointment in international football. Now they are the reigning European champions and World Cup winners.

The Spain players have quick-smart changed out of their dark blue shirts and into their more familiar red ones for the glory shots of them lifting the trophy.

As referee Howard Webb goes up the steps to collect his medal from Fifa president Sepp Blatter and South Africa president Jacob Zuma, he is in no doubt as to what the Dutch fans think of him. Boos all round.

Now it's the turn of the Netherlands players. You've got to feel sorry for them for getting so close, but the better team did win today, there can't be any doubt about that.

Here come the World Cup winners: Spain.

Iker Casillas climbs up the steps last and the Spain captain, still only 29 but with well over 100 caps, collects the Fifa World Cup Trophy. He holds it aloft, and Spain are champions of the world. I've never known goosebumps like it. Incredible.

The Spain players, on a specially made podium at Soccer City, are lapping up their moment. As a sportsman, this is the pinnacle - and they are going to squeeze every last drop out of that World Cup Trophy. I wouldn't be surprised if Iker Casillas sleeps with it tonight, you know. I would.

What seems like about a million Spanish journalists are singing and dancing along to Shakira in the aisles, some of them still have tears in their eyes. As for Shakira's World Cup song, I don't think I'd get bored of it if it was on a loop for the next 70 years of my life. Stunning fireworks erupt from the roof at Soccer City, a spectacular finale to the tournament that is truly the greatest show on earth.

Let's wrap a couple of things up: Spain have won the World Cup with eight goals, the fewest by three after Brazil in 1994 and England in 1966. Three men bagged for La Roja - David Villa with five, Andres Iniesta with a brace and Carles Puyol with one.

Predictable news just in: Riotous celebrations are spreading across Spain. An estimated 300,000 people forming a sea of red and yellow packed Madrid's downtown Paseo de Recoletos boulevard to watch the match live on giant TV  screens and erupted at the final whistle. Fireworks lit up the city sky as people herded out onto the streets to celebrate.

Uruguay's Diego Forlan has been named the best player of the 2010 World Cup, taking home the Golden Ball in the process.

Also, Germany's Thomas Mueller has won the Golden Shoe award for top scorer, finishing on five goals but winning by virtue of his three assists.

Oh, and New Zealand were the only team to remain unbeaten throughout their World Cup campaign, one of my favourite facts from this or any tournament. It's yours for free.

Andres Iniesta: footballer of rare skill, World Cup final matchwinner and cracking human being to boot. When he peeled off his t-shirt, his vest bore the words "Dani Jarque is always with us". If that doesn't get the emotions going, nothing will.

Blimey Thomas Mueller, let someone else win something, won't you?! The fabulously talented German has only gone and walked off with the Best Young Player award as well as the Golden Shoe, hasn't he? Hero.

There will be controversy over Spain's winner, unfortunately. The Dutch should have absolutely 100% had a corner when Wesley Sneijder's free-kick hit Cesc Fabregas and went behind, it was a poor decision from Howard Webb to give a goalkick. Then a few seconds later in the build-up to the goal, the Netherlands felt Eljero Elia was fouled. It's a shame, but what can you do?

"It was a very difficult game but we have some fantastic players who knew how to respond to the problems. They had a few chances but we had clear ones. We owe this to a great group of players."

"It's unbelievable, incredible. It cost a lot of energy. To win a World Cup is an indescribable feeling. This was our work that we started a long time ago, it was hard work, but we're savouring this now."

Do you think if I hide I'll be able to just live in Soccer City? I don't want to leave. The last few Spanish fans are dribbling outside to go and celebrate with the hordes of their countrymen, and by the sounds of it, the party is already in full swing. San Miguels all round, senor. Vamos!

Is is with a heavy heart that I must bid you a fond farewell from Soccer City in Johannesburg. The 19th World Cup, the first in Africa, has given us an eighth champion, and few will begrudge that, over the past month and 64 games, SPAIN were the best team. I'm Jonathan Stevenson, and this has been the experience of a lifetime. See you soon.