Football · 2010 · Johannesburg, South Africa
Iniesta Wins Spain's First World Cup
Four minutes from the end of extra time in a tense, foul-strewn World Cup final, Andrés Iniesta controls a pass on his chest and volleys Spain to their first ever world title.
Spain 1-0 Netherlands (AET)
Result
116th minute
Goal
Spain's 1st World Cup
Title
Spain and the Netherlands had gone goalless through ninety minutes and deep into extra time of the 2010 World Cup final at Soccer City, a match remembered as much for its physicality, a Dutch player was sent off late on, as for its football. Both sides had chances to win it outright before the 116th minute arrived.
Cesc Fàbregas found Iniesta with a low pass just inside the penalty area. Iniesta took it on his chest, let it drop, and struck a first-time volley across goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and into the far corner. He tore off his shirt in celebration to reveal a message underneath dedicated to former Spain youth teammate Dani Jarque, who had died the previous year.
The goal made Spain world champions for the first time in the federation's history, completing a run of tournament wins either side of it, Euro 2008 and Euro 2012, that made this Spain side one of the most dominant international teams the sport has produced. Iniesta's volley remains the single moment most associated with that golden generation.
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