Brutal. That's the word. Brutally tough play from the Dutch (a seemingly successful strategy for disrupting Spanish fluidity); brutally harsh refereeing; and a brutally painful end to the Dutch win-streak that how no doubt inspired the cruelest of hopes throughout the Oranje nation.
For 116 minutes the game was deadlocked. The best two chances of the game fell to the feet of Arjen Robben who, in the 62nd minute, was put through on goal by a wonderful Sneijder pass that split the Spanish centre backs in a way previously unseen in the tournament. But Robben was unable to lift the ball over the outstretched leg of Spanish captain, Iker Casillas of Real Madrid. Casillas was once agin called upon to save Spain's title ambitions when Robben's blistering pace saw him bundle his way through the last line of defence, being fouled by Semi-final goal scorer Carlos Puyol. Uncharicteristically, Robben stayed on his feet but the ball ran away from him and into the skidding torso of the Spanish stopper, whose quick reactions preserved the tie at the most crucial moment of the game.
Spain's best chance was almost easier to capitalise upon than Holland's: an unmarked Sergio Ramos (also Real Madrid) met an inswinging corner only to head over when he had all the time in the world to get the ball on target. And moments later Capdevilla found himself in a fortunate position with an opportunity to score, only to see his shot smothered by the impressive Stekelnberg.
As ninety minutes came around the game was still 0-0 so extra time - and the probability of at least one of the many, many yellow cards dihed-out turning to red - beckoned.
The nature of this game - the most important of these players' lives - was a primal one from the offset. The Dutch seemed intent on breaking Spain's smooth rhythm, by breaking the Spanish players themselves. Howard Webb dug had his hand in his pocket more often than a fat kid packing Lemon Bon Bons and produced 9 yellows for Holland (2 for Heitinga who was sent off in extra time for a disputable pull-back) and 5 for Spain, though it should have been more.
Iniesta, the goalscorer, made about four tackles that warranted a yellow, especially when considering his Dutch counterparts were picking-up cards for bothering to turn-up. The exceptions to my defence of the Dutch being harshly penalised are Nigel de Jong's amazing, studs-first pole-axing of Xabi Alonso (who, unbelievably, got-up and carried on playing with minimal fuss after a tackel that would have literally killed Rivaldo) and Mark Van Bommel, who should probably have been arrested for his constant and unrivalled disregard for the rules of football. Ironically, Iniesta was eventually booked for excessive celebrating, but that's one card I'm sure he'll cherish: he can put it on his bedside table with all the get well cards fans will likely be sending his way after some convincing simulation that should have seen him sent off had us and Webb, believeing he might expire on the field of play having been viciously assaulted by the Earth's uncompromisning atmosphere.
As much as I would have liked the Dutch to win, Spain were the better footballing side. Holland showed a side of their game that was ugly - necessary, but ugly. Spain have been remarkably unremarkable this tournament and, in many ways, epitomise the negative football that has been on show the past month. Their style of play is beautifully methodical, and often results in some finely worked goals, but it is incredibly anal (and not in the good, Tiger Woods kind of way).
The Dutch had fire that, unfortunately on this occassion, translated into violence rather than technical mastery. That's a 0-3 record for the Dutch in WC finals now, and a perfect appearance record for the Spanish, joining England as the only winners to have never lost a final. Sure, it means more when you've won five, but it's a good enough start for a team that has finally fulfilled their potential and the dreams of a nation. Here's to 2014 and a Spain Germany final. I sure as hell can't wait.
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