Cesc Fabregas with the World Cup trophy
Fabregas and Spain win the World Cup
The 2010 World Cup has reached its climax and two Arsenal players were involved in the Final.
Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie
Spain 1-0 Netherlands (aet)
Sunday, July 11
Soccer City, Johannesburg
Cesc Fabregas set up Andres Iniesta to score the winning goal as Spain beat the Netherlands in extra time to win the World Cup.
Robin van Persie started for his country and Fabregas made his mark from the bench.
Sergio Ramos had an early chance for Spain and his header forced a fine save from Maaretn Stekelenburg after just five minutes. But that was the only time either keeper was truly tested during a cagey first half.
Just after the hour Iker Casillas produced a fantastic save to deny Arjen Robben. Wesley Sneijder had picked out the Dutch winger with a through ball.
With 20 minutes remaining David Villa was denied by John Heitinga's last-ditch block and Ramos headed a 77th-minute corner over the bar from six yards out.
Fabregas was introduced in the 87th minute and five minutes into extra-time could have opened the scoring. Iniesta picked out the Arsenal captain but Stekelenburg raced out to block Fabregas' shot.
Spain substitute Jesus Navas then had a shot deflected wide before Fabregas only just missed the target with a 20-yard drive.
With 10 minutes remaining the Netherlands were reduced to 10 men. Heitinga pulled back Iniesta and the defender was shown his second yellow card of the evening.
Six minutes later, Spain capitalised. Fabregas collected the ball on the edge of the area and picked out Iniesta who found the bottom corner.
[Sunday, July 11, 2010]
