2010 Fifa World Cup final: Netherlands v Spain half time report
Netherlands 0 Spain 0
The Netherlands and Spain are level in the World Cup final after a half that has seen more cards than chances.
English referee Howard Webb has seen fit to book five players in the first period, including Dutch midfielder Nigel De Jong for a horrific chest high challenge that caught Xabi Alonso in the ribs.
Earlier, Sergio Ramos went close for the Spanish with a header from Xavi's free kick, before David Villa volleyed Alonso's superb cross into the side netting.
The Dutch almost took the lead in farcical circumstances when an attempt to return the ball to Iker Casillas bounced over the Spain captain's head, while centre back Joris Mathijsen miscued a left footed effort when well placed.
Spain's Pedro drove an effort wide shortly before the break, before Arjen Robben's left footed effort brought an excellent save from Casillas in stoppage time.
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