
Andres Iniesta's extra-time goal denies Holland in a showdown marred by 14 yellow cards and a sending-off
Spain's captain Iker Casillas lifts the World Cup trophy.
This World Cup ended the way the modern South Africa began 16 years ago: with Nelson Mandela its star. Possibly the final reward of Mandela's great politi View more »
• Spain's manager pays tribute to patience and quality of players• 'It was rough at times but that is part of football'
Iker Casillas of Spain celebrates lifting the World Cup with team mates.
Vicente del Bosque hailed his side's first World Cup success as "a reward for beautiful football" as Spain withst View more »
Spain prediction comes true as octopus rivals players for star of tournament accolade and punters win up to half a million pounds
Paul the octopus correctly chooses Spain to win the final this Sunday
Paul the psychic octopus maintained his flawless performance in the World Cup by correctly predicting that Spain's vic View more »
We expected a classic clash of philosophies, but Holland and Spain's negativity was not a fitting end to a World Cup
The ugliness of the final was summed up by Holland's Mark van Bommel, who again somehow escaped a red card.
No more all-European finals, thank you very much. The one four years ago that ended with Zin View more »
• English referee produces 14 yellow cards – a final record• Dutch incensed on what should have been career highlight
Holland's manager, Bert van Marwijk, second from right, speaks to the referee, Howard Webb, far left.
Howard Webb had described his selection to officiate in this final as the ultim View more »
Uruguay's Diego Forlan has won the FIFA Golden Ball as the outstanding player at the World Cup.
The Atletico Madrid man scored five goals, including a couple of stunners against Ghana and Germany, as Uruguay exceeded expectations to reach the semi-finals and then lose the third-place play-off 3-2 to Germany.
Fo View more »
The Barcelona midfielder's 116th-minute strike makes Spain the world champions for the first time.
Spain are champions of the world after Andres Iniesta's goal deep into extra-time gave them victory over Netherlands in the World Cup final at Soccer City after a goalless first 105 minutes.
Iniesta netted as Spain bro View more »
He shoots, he scores: Andres Iniesta breaks the deadlock in Soccer City Stadium A final so far removed from the Beautiful Game, so far out of keeping with such a largely upbeat tournament, was settled four minutes from the end of extra time by Andres Iniesta, so crowning Spain champions of the world for the fir View more »
Former South African president Nelson Mandela is set to make a brief appearance before the World Cup final on Sunday to meet and greet fans.
Mandela: To make an appearance at final
It was thought that the 91-year-old would be presenting the trophy to the eventual winner of the tournament, but due to ill health, this View more »| Years | Winners | Runner-up | Third place |
| 2006 | Italy | France | Germany |
| 2002 | Brazil | Germany | Turkey |
| 1998 | France | Brazil | Croatia |
| 1994 | Brazil | Italy | Sweden |
| 1990 | Germany | Argentina | Italy |
| 1986 | Argentina | Germany | France |
| 1982 | Italy | Germany | Poland |
| 1978 | Argentina | Holland | Brazil |
| 1974 | Germany | Holland | Poland |
| 1970 | Brazil | Italy | Germany |
| 1966 | England | Germany | Portugal |
| 1962 | Brazil | Czech | Chile |
| 1958 | Brazil | Sweden | France |
| 1954 | Germany | Hungary | Austria |
| 1950 | Uruguay | Brazil | Sweden |
| 1938 | Italy | Hungary | Brazil |
| 1934 | Italy | Czech | Germany |
| 1930 | Uruguay | Argentina | America |