FIFA World Cup 2010 Final: Iniesta Pays Tribute As He Celebrates The Win
Iniesta, who plays for the Catalan club Barcelona, scored the one and only goal of the World Cup final between Netherlands and Spain. Iniesta’s goal came deep into the second period of extra time. Known for his knack for making crucial goals, Iniesta also scored for Spain in their group stage match against Chile as well.
The final match itself was spoiled by an extra aggressive physical approach which was adopted by the Dutch. Holland, who are known for their ability to play good attacking football, totally changed their tactics for the final match of the World Cup. Their main aim throughout the match was to disturb Spain’s momentum and commit petty fouls at the half way line to destroy any level of flow or tempo to the match.
Despite Holland’s violent approach to the match, Spain kept their calm and ended victorious after Iniesta’s strike. Iniesta remarked after the game that he felt incredible emotions because he got the opportunity to score the goal which was so vital for his team.
Iniesta added that he had just made a small contribution to a very tough and a very rough game. The Catalan midfielder said that there were all sorts of things happening on the pitch. Iniesta was blamed by the Dutch for going down too easily under a challenge by John Heitenga. The Dutch defender, who was already booked, got his marching orders after his foul from behind the Spanish midfielder.
The Spanish failed to take advantage of the ensuing free kick but they did capitalize on their numerical advantage shortly after through Iniesta’s goal. Iniesta commented that, Spain deserved to win the World Cup and that this is something that Spanish people should remember and enjoy. He also said that everyone should be proud of this squad.
In the post-goal celebrations, Iniesta revealed a shirt that he was wearing beneath his jersey. The shirt had a message in Spanish which could be translated in English as “Dani Jarque is always with us”. It was a nice gesture by the midfielder to pay tribute to the late Espanyol midfielder Jarque, who passed away last August because of a heart attack.
Iniesta explained that the Spanish squad wanted to feel Jarque’s strength within them. He also added that Spanish players wanted to pay tribute to their late friend and this was the best way to do that. He said that the Spanish squad wanted to carry Jarque’s memory throughout this World Cup.
When asked about Paul the Octopus, who is famous for his World Cup predictions so far, Iniesta said that the octopus will be very famous in Spain, after his prediction that Spain will win the final match of the tournament came true.
Iniesta was also awarded the man of the match award. His press conference was also disturbed by his team-mates such as, Puyol and Pique’s screams of “Iniesta you are the best”. When the Spanish star midfielder was asked about Spain’s chance at the 2014 World Cup in four years time, he said that right now it is time to enjoy the present World Cup glory and that what happens in four years time still remains to be seen.
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