Iniesta's everlasting moment
Often overlooked, 'El Cerebro' ensured that the world's eyes were on him in 2010
In an era of football where tribalism reigns supreme, few players have managed to earn the universal adoration evoked by Andres Iniesta. One of the greatest midfielders the game has ever seen, his career is littered with moments that for most of his peers remain only dreams.
From four UEFA Champions League trophies to two European Championships, the 34-year-old has lifted 35 trophies during his wildly decorated career - but Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph and his role in the final ensures he will be both remembered and revered for decades after he hangs up his boots.
Spain were the overwhelming favourites going into the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands, who edged their way past South American giants Brazil and Uruguay to earn themselves a shot at winning their first ever world title.
Known for their Johann Cruyff-inspired ‘Total Football’, Holland opted to negate their famed approach and instead tried to outmuscle the Spaniards.
Xabi Alonso suffered the brunt of their physicality; Nigel de Jong’s Kung-Fu kick at the then-Real Madrid man’s sternum only drew a yellow card from referee Howard Webb, who later admitted he should have shown red.
Spain were the better of the two sides throughout the gruelling 120 minutes, seeing more of the ball and creating more chances, but they did ride their luck more than once.
Arjen Robben could not convert a golden opportunity after racing away from La Roja’s backline midway through the second half and, with less than 10 minutes to go in normal time, the Bayern Munich attacker was incensed that Carles Puyol wasn’t given his marching orders when he attempted to haul him to the ground as he bared down on goal.
Robben’s profligacy and perhaps misfortune saw the game carry on into extra-time. The prospect of penalties was looming large before Iniesta, who scored a last-gasp stunner against Chelsea to send Barcelona through to the Champions League final the year before, showed the clinical nature his Dutch counterpart sorely lacked.
Starting off the move which led to the goal with a deft backheel, ‘The Brain’ drifted into space as the ball was worked out to Fernando Torres. His searching ball to a lurking Iniesta was initially cut out by Rafael van der Vaart, but Cesc Fabregas managed to pick up the pieces and find the Iniesta, who controlled the ball brilliantly before firing past a helpless Maarten Stekelenburg. He thrived under the pressure and eyes of billions.
Despite just scoring the most important goal in his country’s history, Iniesta - known for his humility - did not forget to reveal his tribute to the late Dani Jarque, the former Espanyol defender who died of a heart attack the year before.
That Iniesta, predictably named man-of-the-match, was happy to take some of the spotlight away from himself during such a cataclysmic moment is testament to the man’s humility and character, which passed the ultimate footballing test with flying colours in Johannesburg.
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