Beasts 0 Beauty 1: Spain on top of the world as they defeat Dutch cloggers
Ecstasy: Fernando Torres celebrates with the World Cup trophy
By
Ian Ladyman in Johannesburg
Last updated at 1:30 AM on 12th July 2010
Spain won the World Cup for the first time on Sunday night but the final descended into a blizzard of cards and bitterness.
El fire: Andres Iniesta fires a stunning shot past Holland goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg for the extra-time winner
English referee Howard Webb dished out 13 yellow cards and a red in a bruising encounter settled by Andres Iniesta’s goal four minutes from the end of extra time.
Viva Espana: Iker Casillas celebrates Spain's first ever World Cu[ triumph with team-mates Sergio Ramos and David Villa
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk bizarrely accused Webb of favouring Spain, despite the Rotherham official failing to send off Nigel de Jong for a gruesome kung-fu style kick into Xabi Alonso’s chest in the first half.
Webb finally dismissed Everton defender John Heitinga in extra time for a second bookable offence as Spain refused to be intimidated.
Unpleasant: Nigel de Jong was one of 13 players cautioned in the match, although he was lucky not to be dismissed
Their coach Vicente del Bosque said: ‘We have fantastic players who knew how to respond to problems.’
Holland betrayed their Total Football heritage and Dutch legend Ruud Gullit said: ‘It was a terrible game. The Dutch must blame themselves.’
Agony: Fernando Torres lies on the floor
'Dani Jarque is always with us': Iniesta paid tribute to the deceased Espanyol and Spain player after scoring
Shame game: Nigel de Jong lands a boot in the chest of Spain's Xabi Alonso... yet saw only yellow
Flying Dutchman: Holland keeper Maarten Stekelenburg makes a smart save to deny an early header from Spain defender Sergio Ramos
Total violence: Spain players surround referee Webb as he cautions Mark van Bommel, one of five first half bookings between the sides
Up and over: Spain captain Iker Casillas collects the ball in an unorthodox manner to upend his own defender Carles Puyol as Van Persie looks on
Forward march: Spain's Gerard Pique drives ahead from defence as Dirk Kuyt looks on
Last ditch: Everton defender John Heitinga makes a superb recovery block to deny David Villa just yards away from breaking the deadlock for Spain in the second half
One on one: A world class save from the foot of Casillas stuns Arjen Robben, after the former Chelsea star broke clear through on goal
So close: Unmarked Sergio Ramos sees his free header sail agonisingly over the crossbar
Total disgrace: Heitinga is sent for for a double-bookable offence after earning a record breaking tenth yellow card in the final in extra time from Webb
Total violence: Spain players surround referee Webb as he cautions Mark van Bommel, one of five first half bookings between the sides
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|  'Dani Jarque is always with us': Iniesta paid tribute to the late Espanyol and Spain player after scoring |
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|  One on one: A world class save from the foot of Casillas stuns Arjen Robben, after the former Chelsea star broke clear through on goal |
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|  Seeing red: Heitinga's second caution earns him an early bath leaving Holland down to ten men during extra time
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|  Broken hearts: Holland coach Bert van Marwijk consoles a crest-fallen Wesley Sneijder at the final whistle |
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|  Kings of Spain: Captain Casillas lifts the World Cup high above his team-mates as Spain are crowned champions of the world for the first time in their history |
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Proud: Former South African President Nelson Mandela and his wife Graca Machel wave to the crowd following the closing ceremony of World Cup 2010  Security alert: A crazed fan ran towards the World Cup just moments before kick-off. He was knocked to the ground and escorted off the pitch  Howard Webb (centre) and his assistant referees Mike Cann (left) and Darren Mclarkey (right). The trio go through their paces ahead of the match Paul the octopus who resides in a German aquarium has predicted seven correct results. He has predicted that Spain will triumph tonight which got short shrift from this Dutchman (right) outside Soccer Stadium
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