Goal.com Top Of The Match Sponsored By Turkish Airlines: Andres Iniesta

The Spaniard was decisive on the night and has been selected by Goal.com’s editors as their man of the match against the Netherlands…

By Stefano Federici

FIFA World Cup - Chile v Spain, Andres Iniesta (Getty Images)
Goal.com Editors' Top Of The Match Sponsored By Turkish Airlines: Andres Iniesta

Spain sit on top of the world this evening after edging out the Netherlands at the death in a final that will be remembered for the number of goal chances that were squandered throughout the 120 minutes.

Proving the most decisive man on the night the editor’s choice for top of the match was awarded to Andres Iniesta who dashed Dutch hearts with the match winner just four minutes from the end of extra time.

During regular time the Barcelona man also had a clear penalty shout turned away when he was denied a shooting chance by the outstretched boot of John Heitinga.

As La Furia Roja become the first European nation to win the world crown on another continent, Iniesta will no doubt go down in history as the man who finally put Spain at the peak of world football.

Goal.com Fans' Top Of The Match Sponsored By Turkish Airlines: Iker Casillas


The fans vote went to Iker Casillas who had a vital say on the outcome of the game when he denied Arjen Robben’s goalbound shot with an outstretched leg part way through the second half.

The Spain captain was rewarded with the biggest prize of all as he became the first Spaniard to lift the coveted World Cup trophy.

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Hosted by Stephen Crawford & Adam Scime
2/15/12
And with that, we're going to call it a night, folks.

We've had two tremendous matches today, so lets hope the intensity keeps up in the next clashes!

Until next time, this is LIVE commentator Stephen Crawford signing off.

From everyone here at Goal.com, thanks for joining us!

2/15/12
All this focus on the Arsenal and Milan game should not take away from another cracker earlier tonight between Zenit and Benfica. The Russians came from a goal down to lead 2-1 in the closing minutes before Oscar Cardozo levelled things for Benfica, but it wasn't over there as Roman Shirokov won the game for Zenit in the 88th minute.

Here's the thoughts of Benfica coach Jorge Jesus, who felt his side deserved a point from the game.
2/15/12
Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny bemoaned his side's luck tonight but refused to give up. Here's some of his quotes:

"They were the better team on the night and that's the story of the day.

"We have to keep fighting, pick ourselves up, get the confidence back and challenge in the other competitions and in the second leg of this tie too.

"They punished us on every occasion; they scored some quality goals and they deserved to win."

Full story HERE


2/15/12
Another Milan player who was willing to share his thoughts after the match was Mark van Bommel, who has urged caution ahead of the second leg in London.

“The score made it look like it was an easy game, but it certainly wasn't.

(Strange... it looked pretty easy from where I was sitting, but hey.)

“I do not think it's over yet. I remember a clash between Milan and Deportivo la Coruna when Milan was also ahead by four goals, and in the end Deportivo eliminated Milan.

“I went into the Arsenal dressing room after the match to speak to Robin van Persie. I had agreed with him to swap shirts – my sons are big fans of his and he brought two for them. They will be delighted.


Van Bommel went on to talk about a possible move to PSV in the future, but was quick to point out his terms for the move.

“I've spoken with PSV, but we don't have an agreement yet. The club has to decide what they want.

“If Louis van Gaal turns out to be the new coach, I won't go.”


2/15/12
Next up is the Milan maestro Clarence Seedorf. He only managed 12 minutes on the pitch, but watching from the sidelines he was delighted at how his team mates had dominated the game.

"Tonight everything went in the right direction and we did a very good match. You don't start a match thinking to win 4-0, but at the end i think we deserved it coz we played very well."

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