Spain defeated the Netherlands 1–0 in extra time to claim their first FIFA World Cup title, the first won by a European nation outside Europe.
Key Facts
- Attendance
- 84,490 supporters
- Television audience
- 909 million+ viewers
- Winning goal
- Andrés Iniesta, 116th minute
- Referee
- Howard Webb (England)
- Man of the Match
- Andrés Iniesta
- Red card
- John Heitinga (Netherlands), extra time
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Spain and the Netherlands each advanced through the 2010 FIFA World Cup knockout rounds — Spain topping Group H and defeating Portugal, Paraguay, and Germany, while the Netherlands topped Group E and eliminated Slovakia, Brazil, and Uruguay — to meet in the final at Soccer City in Johannesburg on 11 July 2010.
The final was a tightly contested, foul-laden match that remained goalless after 90 minutes. Key chances were saved by both goalkeepers, and the Netherlands had a man sent off in extra time. Andrés Iniesta converted a right-footed shot from a Cesc Fàbregas pass in the 116th minute, giving Spain a 1–0 victory before 84,490 spectators.
Spain's victory was their first World Cup title and the first by a European team on non-European soil. They subsequently won UEFA Euro 2012 for a third consecutive major trophy, though they were eliminated in the group stage at the 2014 World Cup. Iker Casillas received the Golden Glove award, and Iniesta was named man of the match.
Result
at Soccer City, Johannesburg, South Africa