How close was the Netherlands to defeating Spain?

Answer 1

The Netherlands came close to defeating, if not equalizing, with Spain. This was not present during the first half of the game, however, as Spain kept pounding against the Netherlands' goal. The ball remained on the Netherlands' side of the field for most of the first half. Neither team scored in the first half.

During the second half, the Netherlands' team started to perform counter-attacks each time Spain took shots on the goal. The Netherlands' defense prevented Spain from scoring, and vice-versa. On several occasions, the Netherlands had a chance to score on Spain. Spanish goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, skillfully blocked all the shots. The game remained dead-locked at 0-0 throughout the second half.

With the game in Extra Time, the Netherlands and Spain were head-to-head, each taking shots at each others' goals, but none of them making it past the goalkeepers. Disaster struck the Netherlands when Spanish midfielder, Andrés Iniesta, scored on the Netherlands in the 116th match of the game. The Netherlands attempted to equalize, but soon became desperate. Renown as the number 1 dirtiest-playing team, the Netherlands was able to rack up 9 yellow cards. 2 of them were given to the John Heitinga, resulting in 1 red card.

Spain continued to defend exceptionally through the remaining 4 minutes. At the final whistle, Spain was declared the 2010 FIFA World Cup champion, winning its first-ever FIFA World Cup. The Netherlands was declared runner-up, its third time to hold that title. A Netherlands-supporter was quoted as saying:...we now have to add 2010 to the list, along with 1974 and 1978. It really is "Neverland" for the Netherlands.