"To lead world football is incredible news after so many years without a world title, so I think Spain deserves this," coach Vicente del Bosque said. "And these are clean players, honest, tolerant and good people and that's important too — they are great examples."
Spain: 2010 World Cup Champions
Spain returns home with newfound confidence of being a world force
JOHANNESBURG — Spain travelled home from South Africa on Monday with the World Cup trophy among its luggage, and a new confidence that could finally make it a permanent force in international soccer.Andres Iniesta's goal with four minutes to play in extra time against the Netherlands on Sunday allowed Spain to lift the World Cup for the first time in its history while becoming only the eighth team to win world soccer's most prized title.
The 1-0 victory not only propelled Spain — long a dark horse when it came to winning major tournaments — into the exclusive club of world champions but followed up a masterful Euro 2008 triumph by proving beauty can prevail over the beast as it overcame an ugly Dutch side for victory.
"To lead world football is incredible news after so many years without a world title, so I think Spain deserves this," coach Vicente del Bosque said. "And these are clean players, honest, tolerant and good people and that's important too — they are great examples."
Spain's style not only won games coming into South Africa — it has only two defeats in 55 matches — but won accolades from fans and pundits alike. At a time when Brazil embraced a more defensive plan and Inter Milan won the Champions League, Spain's victory was welcome news for fans looking for attacking and flair.
"I'm very happy there's a new champion, especially Spain which had always been considered one of the small (teams)," said captain Iker Casillas, who was moved to tears immediately after Iniesta scored the 116th-minute winner. "I told other players they are very lucky to be here today with this group.
"In the end, justice was done by our football."
Spain's victory again proved its decision to base its attack on the Barcelona model of using possession to wear down the opponent was perfect for a team with the world's best collection of midfield players. Especially after the 1-0 defeat against Switzerland to open the tournament
Opponents not only had to worry about an incisive pass reaching strikers David Villa or Fernando Torres, but the threat of a midfield that includes Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets.
"Small guys like us, we can't get physical so we like to hold the ball," defender Joan Capdevila said. "That's what's makes us big."
Casillas paid tribute to former coach Luis Aragones, who took over in 2004 and guided the team to the European Championship triumph that ended 44 years without a major trophy. Spain joined Germany and France as only the third team to hold both the World Cup and European Championship together.
"Luis Aragones also has his share in this. He's a coach who saw (the talent), who knew it, who formed the team we have today," Casillas said. "Luis Aragones helped formed this team in 2006 and in the end it's the fruits of more than four years."
Casillas was as instrumental in the win as the Real Madrid goalkeeper recorded a collection of saves in each of the 1-0 knockout round victories over Portugal, Paraguay and Germany. But none bigger than that against Arjen Robben in the 62nd minute on Sunday with the Dutch winger alone on goal.
With Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique anchoring the centre, Spain's defence was as impressive as their midfield with Sergio Ramos also showing he'll be a key player for years to come.
Del Bosque, like Aragones, was also able to handle so many stars so well — he had the courage to pick newcomer Pedro Rodriguez over Torres against Germany and the Netherlands. And even Fabregas could be content with his tournament after the Arsenal playmaker fed Iniesta for the winner at Soccer City after being picked over in previous matches.
"We won because we knew how to play like a team, no player tries to be above the rest," Capdevila said. "It was a group, united."
Spain's players changed into their usual red jerseys after the final whistle, which now carried the star accorded to each champion — of which Spain became No. 8 — above its crest.
"This is the place Spain should be," Casillas said.
No comments:
Post a Comment