Spain takes World Cup home

Spain rules the soccer world, winning the World Cup at long, long last. It came after an exhausting 1-0 victory in extra time over the Netherlands on Sunday. Two years after winning the European title, the stylish Spaniards did even better.This was a physical test of attrition that sometimes turned dirty, a finals-record 13 yellow cards were handed out and the Dutch finished with 10 men. In the end, it was Andres Iniesta breaking free in the penalty area, taking a pass from Cesc Fabregas and putting a right-footed shot from 8 yards just past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg. For the Dutch and their legions of orange-clad fans wearing everything from jerseys to jumpsuits to clown gear to pajamas, it was yet another crushing disappointment. Their first World Cup title tantalizingly within reach, they failed in the final for the third time. This one might have been the most bitter because, unlike in 1974 and 1978, the Netherlands was unbeaten not only in this tournament, but in qualifying for the first World Cup staged in South Africa. Soccer City was soaked in Oranje, from the seats painted in that hue throughout the stadium to pretty much everyone seated in them. Unlike when they lost to hosts West Germany and Argentina in previous finals, the Dutch were something of a home team this time. Iniesta tore off his jersey after the goal and raced to the corner where he was mobbed by his teammates. Several Dutch players wiped away tears as they received their medals as runners-up, yet again. They won every qualifying match and all six previous games in South Africa before the bitter ending. The Netherlands now has more victories in World Cup games without a title than any nation: 19. Spain held that dubious record with 24. The Spaniards saluted their fans with arms raised high, then lifted their coach, Vicente Del Bosque, in the air in celebration.Spanish Iker Casillas was voted the best goalkeeper at the 2010 World Cup here on Sunday after his side defeated the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time in the final. Casillas, who twice denied Arjen Robben, including a solo run, got the FIFA's Golden Glove award after conceding just two goals in seven matches. The Real Madrid star, who is Spain's skipper, also saved a penalty in the 1-0 quarterfinal win over Paraguay.English referee Howard Webb fished out 14 yellow cards and one red in the World Cup final in which Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0 on Andres Iniesta's 116th minute goal on Sunday. Webb took out five yellow cards in the first half and issued nine more in the second as he was struggling to control the hot-tempered final. Dutch defender John Heitinga received his second yellow card in the 109th minute to be shown out of the pitch.