2010

Notes

First WC in Africa. Spain's first title — Andrés Iniesta scored the winner in the 116th minute of a 1-0 a.e.t. win over Netherlands in the dirtiest WC final ever (14 yellow cards + Heitinga red). Defending champs Italy and runners-up France both crashed out in groups (France imploded after Anelka was sent home, players boycotted training). Suárez's deliberate handball denied Ghana victory over Uruguay in QF. Spain became first team ever to win a WC after losing their opening match. Müller won Golden Boot on assists tiebreak (also Best Young Player). Forlán Best Player. Casillas Best GK. Vuvuzelas dominated the soundscape. Octopus Paul correctly predicted 8 results.

📚 Trivia

• firsts2010 was the first World Cup hosted in Africa. South Africa won the right amid heavy controversy (Sepp Blatter favoured the rotation). Spain became the first European nation ever to win a World Cup outside Europe.
• finalsAndrés Iniesta scored Spain's only goal of the 2010 final in the 116th minute — Spain 1-0 Netherlands a.e.t., in the dirtiest WC final ever (14 yellow cards + Heitinga red). It was Spain's first World Cup title; they became the first team to win a WC after losing their opening match.