The 2010 International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) World Cup has come to an end, and what was a vague dream for 32 countries a month ago is now a reality for Spain.

On Sunday, Spain – also known as La Furia Roja (The Red Fury) – won their first World Cup in history by defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the second half of extra time.

Just when penalty shootouts were looming, a goal in the 116th-minute of the game from midfielder Andres Iniesta gave Spain the victory.

International media has already baptized Iniesta, who is 5’7, as “the little man for big occasions,” considering he led his team’s victory.

Ideally, the game wasn’t what fans wanted to see.

The tension in both teams maintained a 0-0 score and avoided players to strive for fantasy plays.

Despite the fact that there were sparks of great soccer, the game was interrupted by fouls, and as a result there were 12 yellow cards and one red card.

By now, nobody cares about the development of the game or how Spain defeated Netherlands. Like Iniesta said, what matters is they won the World Cup.

Anyone who follows this sport knows what Spain has suffered to be the number one team in the world.

In previous World Cups, The Red Fury would withdraw World Cups as the deception of the tournament.

If it wasn’t a bad referee call, a silly mistake kept them away from obtaining the maximum recognition in soccer.

But times have changed, and this year Spain was far from a deception.

The World Cup 2010 will be remembered with Iniesta’s courage to step up for a whole country.

There is no question that Spain is a well-deserved champion.

Every single player gave it their all, and the entire world is aware of it.

As a soccer fan, I’m more than satisfied with the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Spain’s performance in the tournament.

Spain, it was a pleasure seeing all of your matches; congratulations!

Pablo Rodriguez can be reached at 581-7942 or at jprodriguez@eiu.edu.