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Andres Iniesta's extra-time strike won Spain the World Cup for the first time after they edged out the 10-man Netherlands in a scrappy, ill-tempered encounter in Johannesburg. In a game which proved far from the classic many had hoped it was Iniesta's half-volley 25 minutes into extra-time which proved crucial for the European champions. 

Both sides had chances to win the game in normal time, Spain's best falling to Sergio Ramos who somehow powered a free header over the bar from six yards, while Arjen Robben was thwarted for the Dutch when one-on-one with Iker Casillas as the Real Madrid goalkeeper saved with his leg. 

With the Netherlands looking nervous Spain dominated the early possession as Ramos had a header saved by Maarten Stekelenburg in a rehearsal for his later missed effort. The Dutch adopted spoiling tactics to nullify the Spanish threat, forcing English referee Howard Webb to show five yellow cards in a first half which degenerated into a scrappy brawl - and led to 14 yellow cards and a red for the Netherlands' John Heitinga by the end of the game. 

Amongst those cautions Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong was also fortunate not to be sent off for a chest-high challenge lunge on Xabi Alonso. But the Dutch should have took the lead on the hour mark when Wesley Sneijder's pass sliced through the Spain defence and set Robben free down the centre but the winger took his time and when he eventually shot Casillas turned it wide with his leg. 

Spain looked more likely to break the deadlock in extra-time as Cesc Fabregas was denied when one-on-one and Navas smashed an effort into the side netting. Heitinga became the fifth man to be sent off in a World Cup final when he pulled back Iniesta on the edge of the area leaving Webb with no choice but to hand him another caution.  

And Spain capitalised on their numerical advantage when Iniesta's lashed home after Fabregas' pass to give them a deserved victory. 

Source: BBC Sport