World Cup Snoozer: Spain Wins On Late Goal

Sloppy Final Does
Little To Win New Fans

Thanks to Andre Iniesta's goal in the 116th minute, Spain finally claimed their first World Cup in a tournament that likely will be remembered less for the play on the pitch and more for the refereeing of it.

Here's what some of the OGS World Cup writers had to say about Sunday's boring thriller, if there can be such a thing:

Steve Susi
After 119 minutes of a snoozer — and 14 cartas amarillas — a goal was seen through mine sleepy eyes.

Spain, you have earned it these four weeks; Holland, you've deserved it for four decades, but alas, gravity chose against you. And so to finish:

+ South Africa, Spain, and ESPN, good on you
+ FIFA and your referees, shame on you
+ Every player who flopped in front of the entire world more than ever before, shit on you

Ehorabuena España!

Ben Jackey
This was like trying to fix up two of your attractive friends, only to have one of them -- heck, both of them -- show up with a cold sore. Soccer won very few fence-sitters yesterday. The game was exactly what everyone expected – bruising, compact, and boring. This trend of playing conservatively, so as not to lose, is becoming more common in big matches and it is excruciating. Spain truly dominated this game, but Netherlands had the better chances. A deserved result.

Bruce Sholl
Sunday's game showed exactly why most Americans dislike soccer: 120 minutes of boring play with occasional flurries of action sparsely sprinkled throughout. Even though Holland was trying to make it interesting with some MMA moves, Spain found a reversal and got out of the hold, stood up and delivered the winning blow.

Jake Yadrich
Although the 2010 World Cup final wasn't exactly a display of beautiful football, it still provided the drama that only a World Cup final can provide. In a game marred by yellow cards and blown calls, Spain was able to crack the opposition first, and it proved to be the difference between glory and disbelief.  The Spaniards continued what they've done all tournament, and despite not scoring as many goals as many would've thought, it's only fitting that the best team in the tournament was left to hoist the trophy at the end. As for the Netherlands, now having lost three finals, they have to wait four more years to shake the title of "Best Team to Never Win the World Cup."

Mike Marshall
I wasn't surprised as I predicted the final. Happy for Spain as many of my friends are enjoying themselves like never before. A new day for Spain. As for the Netherlands, who I was supporting in full Oranje regalia, they get their third second-place finish, which though not the top, is still respectable.