Euro champions crowned World kings
JOHANNESBURG, JULY 11
Andres Iniesta scored a goal deep into extra time to give Spain the World Cup for the first time with a 1-0 win over Netherlands on Sunday.
With the score level at 0-0 four minutes from the end and about to go to a penalty shoot-out and Netherlands down to 10 men, Iniesta scored from close range after a Cesc Fabregas pass to end the all-European final.
Spain had the best of the play in a bruising game in which nine players were shown yellow cards by English referee Howard Webb in the first 90 minutes, a World Cup final record.
Dutch defender John Heitinga was sent off for a second yellow in the second half of extra time.
Neither team has won the World Cup before though the Dutch were playing in their third final.
Shakira rocks
Shakira had fans dancing in their seats as South Africa began saying farewell to the 2010 World Cup in pulsating fashion on Sunday. The highlight of the closing ceremony at Soccer City was to be an expected appearance by Nelson Mandela. The anti-apartheid icon has kept a low profile during the monthlong tournament, having decided against attending the opening game on June 11 following the death of his great-granddaughter. Shakira, backed by South African Afro-fusion band Freshlyground, did one last rendition of the cup’s theme tune, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” after a lights show and fireworks.
