Johan Cruyff himself, moving spirit of the Dutch team which should have won the World Cup in 1974, called Holland’s wretched display in Johannesburg “anti football. Sadly they played dirty. This ugly, vulgar, hard, frenetic, hardly eye catching, hardly football style. If with this, they get satisfaction, fine, but they lost.”

Though of course they very nearly didn’t; there was a very real chance of this being the third World Cup Final which went shamefully to penalties. A sick travesty of what should be the best and most important of all soccer competitions. And indeed, the Dutch though much inferior in terms of football to Spain still had their chances, thanks largely to Arjen Robben, who stood out amongst a prosaic team – what went wrong with Wesley Schneider? – with his determined strikes at goal, one thwarted by a magnificent save, one frustrated by what he had every right to think should have been a foul.

Looking back, however, at the World Cup Final in Buenos Aires in 1978, when Cruyff stayed at home, reportedly “gated” by his wife, the Dutch committed no fewer than 50 fouls, the first of them by Poortvliet in the opening minute. They had it is true been much provoked. The Argentines, who in fact had no business being in that Final at all, having bought the Peruvians in their last vital pool match, winning 6-0, had deliberately kept Holland waiting five minutes, before they deigned to take the field.

Howard Webb indeed had to endure an excruciating 120 minutes, but he was seriously at fault for failing to send off Nigel De Jong in the first half for that atrocious assault, more than a mere foul, on the unfortunate Xavi Alonso, who bravely soldered on, but subsequently feared that he might have suffered broken ribs.

Webb’s omission set the deplorable scene for what happened afterwards. That the Dutch players should have the gall and the temerity to protest subsequently that they were unfairly treated takes the breath away. Let them read, mark and inwardly digest what Cruyff said about them.

Away back in 1962, after a torrid time and malevolent match in Santiago between Chile and Italy in the World Cup had got hopelessly out of hand, the English referee Ken Aston remarked, “It was uncontrollable.”

He might well have had a point since the Chileans, from the first, were hell bent on provoking the Italians who responded in kind and had a man sent off after only seven minutes; and later on another. Whereas when the Chilean left winger Leonel Sanchez broke the nose of Humberto Maschio, Italy’s Argentinian oriundo, Aston, behind whose back it happened, was not informed by his inept linesman. A task far tougher than Webb’s.

There have been several far better English World Cup referees than the hapless Webb, whom I have never greatly admired, when watching him take Premiership matches. One all too clearly recalls the crass decision he made at Old Trafford when giving Manchester United a non-existent, match turning, penalty against Spurs, from some 30 yards away.

Serene and splendid was the officiating at the Maracana stadium, packed by 200,000 impassioned Brazilian fans, by George Reader, a Southampton headmaster. Uruguay sensationally won, lesser referees might have wilted.

Then there was the excellence of Arthur Ellis, a Yorkshireman like Webb, who controlled, as best he could, the so-called Battle of Berne in the 1954 World Cup between a rabid Brazil and a resistant Hungary. Ellis sent off two Brazilians and a Hungarian and somehow kept things under control.

Overall, it was yet another disappointing World Cup, suffering from the elephantiasis bestowed on it by Havelange, then Blatter, 16 teams, swelling first to 24 and now to 32. By the time it comes to the Final, two tiring teams have no wish to replay, and so deplorably, it has twice gone, after extra time, to penalties and so nearly did so again.

Spain, beyond doubt, played the best, most adroit football, though the Swiss in that first game sturdily prevented them doing so. I still cannot understand Del Bosque’s absurd indulgence of the injured Fernando Torres, who should never have played at all, yet was deployed time after time, and even absurdly and potentially disastrously, came on for the second half of extra time, in the Final. Only to succumb yet again to an injury. A touch of Beckhamitis there?

Alas, though failure wasn’t wholly his fault, Fabio Capello will be in charge of England for another year. Once Roy Hodgson went to Liverpool, whose American owners are now being pressed by the Royal Bank of Scotland to step aside, it was, in any case, hard to see any English contestant. I wish Roy the success he deserves, but Liverpool remains a club in crisis. As for England, if Capello stays on and on, will we one day see Beckham whizzing up the wing in a wheelchair.

Referee Howard Webb has come under fire from the Dutch

A record 15 yellow cards were shown in the game, as Webb struggled to maintain his authority on proceedings.

Webb has been criticised in both the Spanish and Dutch press for either being too lenient or too severe.

Blatter said: “The final was not exactly what I expected in terms of fair play. It’s not up to me judge the performances of the officials, I can only say it was a very hard task that the referee trio had on the field of play. It was not easy, really not easy and they were really not helped in this task I can say.”

Blatter refused to comment on the aggressive approach adopted by Netherlands, who eventually lost 1-0 in extra time.

He told a news conference in Johannesburg: “Even though I have seen all the irregularities as a spectator, I cannot answer this question as president of FIFA. I could answer it as a fan of football but I am here as president.

“I will not make any comment but we always say football is school of life because it is based on discipline and respect. It’s a combat game but in the spirit of fair play.

“You have to learn to win and you have to learn to lose, and should not forget the basis which is discipline and respect.”

Blatter was asked whether Webb should have shown a red card to Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong, and replied: “In football we have to live with the errors of players, and of referees. I don’t think perfection exists in this world.”

Jose Mourinho has been unveiled as the new manager of Real Madrid and the Spanish giants are BP 5-1 to land next season’s Champions League.

Referee Howard Webb has come under fire from the Dutch

A record 15 yellow cards were shown in the game, as Webb struggled to maintain his authority on proceedings.

Webb has been criticised in both the Spanish and Dutch press for either being too lenient or too severe.

Blatter said: “The final was not exactly what I expected in terms of fair play. It’s not up to me judge the performances of the officials, I can only say it was a very hard task that the referee trio had on the field of play. It was not easy, really not easy and they were really not helped in this task I can say.”

Blatter refused to comment on the aggressive approach adopted by Netherlands, who eventually lost 1-0 in extra time.

He told a news conference in Johannesburg: “Even though I have seen all the irregularities as a spectator, I cannot answer this question as president of FIFA. I could answer it as a fan of football but I am here as president.

“I will not make any comment but we always say football is school of life because it is based on discipline and respect. It’s a combat game but in the spirit of fair play.

“You have to learn to win and you have to learn to lose, and should not forget the basis which is discipline and respect.”

Blatter was asked whether Webb should have shown a red card to Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong, and replied: “In football we have to live with the errors of players, and of referees. I don’t think perfection exists in this world.”

Jose Mourinho has been unveiled as the new manager of Real Madrid and the Spanish giants are BP 5-1 to land next season’s Champions League.

Spain’s World Cup hero Andres Iniesta was almost overcome with emotion after helping his country to glory in South Africa.

The Barcelona midfielder scored the decisive goal late in extra-time of Spain’s 1-0 victory over Holland at Soccer City.

“It’s incredible,” said Iniesta. “What a joy, especially when you see how we won it.

“There aren’t the words to describe what I am feeling. After my goal, I thought about my family and all the people who I love.

“But the victory is the fruit of a lot of work.”

Iniesta added: “I can’t quite believe this yet. I had the opportunity to score that goal that was so important for my team, and it’s incredible.

“I’ve made a small contribution in a very tough game, a very rough game – there were all sorts of things happening on the pitch.

“Spain deserved to win this World Cup. It’s something we have to remember and enjoy, and should feel very proud of everyone in this squad.”

After he scored, Iniesta took off his shirt to reveal a T-shirt paying tribute to Daniel Jarque, the Espanyol player who died after a heart attack in August.

The T-shirt said “Dani Jarque is always with us”.

Iniesta explained: “I wanted to carry Dani Jarque with me and with my other team-mates. We wanted to feel his strength. We wanted to pay tribute to him in the world of football, and this was the best opportunity to do so.

“This is for Dani Jarque, for my family, for all of the people. It is the result of hard work over a long time and some difficult moments.”

Jose Mourinho has been unveiled as the new manager of Real Madrid and the Spanish giants are BP 5-1 to land next season’s Champions League.

Spain’s World Cup hero Andres Iniesta was almost overcome with emotion after helping his country to glory in South Africa.

The Barcelona midfielder scored the decisive goal late in extra-time of Spain’s 1-0 victory over Holland at Soccer City.

“It’s incredible,” said Iniesta. “What a joy, especially when you see how we won it.

“There aren’t the words to describe what I am feeling. After my goal, I thought about my family and all the people who I love.

“But the victory is the fruit of a lot of work.”

Iniesta added: “I can’t quite believe this yet. I had the opportunity to score that goal that was so important for my team, and it’s incredible.

“I’ve made a small contribution in a very tough game, a very rough game – there were all sorts of things happening on the pitch.

“Spain deserved to win this World Cup. It’s something we have to remember and enjoy, and should feel very proud of everyone in this squad.”

After he scored, Iniesta took off his shirt to reveal a T-shirt paying tribute to Daniel Jarque, the Espanyol player who died after a heart attack in August.

The T-shirt said “Dani Jarque is always with us”.

Iniesta explained: “I wanted to carry Dani Jarque with me and with my other team-mates. We wanted to feel his strength. We wanted to pay tribute to him in the world of football, and this was the best opportunity to do so.

“This is for Dani Jarque, for my family, for all of the people. It is the result of hard work over a long time and some difficult moments.”

Jose Mourinho has been unveiled as the new manager of Real Madrid and the Spanish giants are BP 5-1 to land next season’s Champions League.

Forlan voted the outstanding player of the World Cup

Forlan finished joint-top scorer at the tournament with five goals as he led his country’s march to the World Cup semi-final, where they were beaten 3-2 by Netherlands.

“It’s as great as it is unexpected. I never even imagined something like this, nor did I have my sights set on it,” said Forlan

“As I’m a striker, I perhaps could have seen myself chasing the Golden Shoe, and in fact I came close. That would have been more normal.

“But to go from that to winning the prize for the best player, I’m enjoying it and I’m delighted, but I’m very aware that it’s the result of the spectacular tournament the team has had.

“It’s another reward for this positive period for Uruguayan football.”

Forlan helped Atletico Madrid to a Europa League triumph, and then Uruguay to fourth place at the World Cup.

“It’s been the best year of my career,” he added.

Forlán took 23.4% in the Golden Ball poll voted for by journalists. Holland’s Wesley Sneijder was second with 21.8% and Spain’s David Villa third on 16.9%.

Germany’s Thomas Muller picked up the Best Young Player award, while Spain captain Iker Casillas can add the Golden Glove award to his World Cup winners’ medal.

Jose Mourinho has been unveiled as the new manager of Real Madrid and the Spanish giants are BP 5-1 to land next season’s Champions League.

Forlan voted the outstanding player of the World Cup

Forlan finished joint-top scorer at the tournament with five goals as he led his country’s march to the World Cup semi-final, where they were beaten 3-2 by Netherlands.

“It’s as great as it is unexpected. I never even imagined something like this, nor did I have my sights set on it,” said Forlan

“As I’m a striker, I perhaps could have seen myself chasing the Golden Shoe, and in fact I came close. That would have been more normal.

“But to go from that to winning the prize for the best player, I’m enjoying it and I’m delighted, but I’m very aware that it’s the result of the spectacular tournament the team has had.

“It’s another reward for this positive period for Uruguayan football.”

Forlan helped Atletico Madrid to a Europa League triumph, and then Uruguay to fourth place at the World Cup.

“It’s been the best year of my career,” he added.

Forlán took 23.4% in the Golden Ball poll voted for by journalists. Holland’s Wesley Sneijder was second with 21.8% and Spain’s David Villa third on 16.9%.

Germany’s Thomas Muller picked up the Best Young Player award, while Spain captain Iker Casillas can add the Golden Glove award to his World Cup winners’ medal.

Jose Mourinho has been unveiled as the new manager of Real Madrid and the Spanish giants are BP 5-1 to land next season’s Champions League.

Del Bosque held aloft by his players

The Spanish triumphed courtesy of Andres Iniesta’s strike in 116th minute of a tense, and at times, tempestuous clash in Johanesburg’s Soccer City stadium.

Del Bosque was delighted with his country’s success, which he felt was reward for their strong team bond.

He said: “There is joy of being 50 days with this group of players who have given us the world title. It was a difficult match.

“We started well, then they got the match under control. In the second half, there was a chance by Robben and Casillas saved us from the worst.

“Afterwards, I think that we were slightly better.”

Del Bosque also refused to criticise Holland for their overtly physical approach, which culminated in the extra-time dismissal of Johnny Heitinga.

He said: “First of all I should congratulate our opponents. They made it very difficult for us to play comfortably.

“It’s been a very intense match, and congratulations to them.”

Cesc Fabregas was introduced from the bench three minutes from the end of normal time, and Del Bosque saluted his impact on the match.

“Fabregas came on and we began to dominate,” he said. “We had greater ball possession and depth in our game.

“We created chances for Cesc and David Villa which we could have converted, but that’s the way football goes.”

He added: “The dressing room is delighted, ecstatic. But Spain, the country, deserves this triumph, this World Cup.

“This goes beyond sport. We have to celebrate. All the people have been behind us in Spain, and we’re delighted to reward them with this victory.”

Jose Mourinho has been unveiled as the new manager of Real Madrid and the Spanish giants are BP 5-1 to land next season’s Champions League.

Del Bosque held aloft by his players

The Spanish triumphed courtesy of Andres Iniesta’s strike in 116th minute of a tense, and at times, tempestuous clash in Johanesburg’s Soccer City stadium.

Del Bosque was delighted with his country’s success, which he felt was reward for their strong team bond.

He said: “There is joy of being 50 days with this group of players who have given us the world title. It was a difficult match.

“We started well, then they got the match under control. In the second half, there was a chance by Robben and Casillas saved us from the worst.

“Afterwards, I think that we were slightly better.”

Del Bosque also refused to criticise Holland for their overtly physical approach, which culminated in the extra-time dismissal of Johnny Heitinga.

He said: “First of all I should congratulate our opponents. They made it very difficult for us to play comfortably.

“It’s been a very intense match, and congratulations to them.”

Cesc Fabregas was introduced from the bench three minutes from the end of normal time, and Del Bosque saluted his impact on the match.

“Fabregas came on and we began to dominate,” he said. “We had greater ball possession and depth in our game.

“We created chances for Cesc and David Villa which we could have converted, but that’s the way football goes.”

He added: “The dressing room is delighted, ecstatic. But Spain, the country, deserves this triumph, this World Cup.

“This goes beyond sport. We have to celebrate. All the people have been behind us in Spain, and we’re delighted to reward them with this victory.”

Jose Mourinho has been unveiled as the new manager of Real Madrid and the Spanish giants are BP 5-1 to land next season’s Champions League.