2010 FIFA World Cup

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.

Awards & marks

Best player

Diego Forlán

Best young

Thomas Müller

Best GK

Iker Casillas

Ball

Adidas Jabulani

Mascot

Zakumi

Top scorers

1. 1.David VillaSpain· Forwards5
2. 2.Wesley SneijderNetherlands· Midfielders5
3. 3.Thomas MüllerGermany· Midfielders5
4. 4.Diego ForlánUruguay· Forwards5
5. 5.Miroslav KloseGermany· Forwards4
6. 6.Gonzalo HiguaínArgentina· Forwards4
7. 7.Róbert VittekSlovakia· Forwards4
8. 8.Luis SuárezUruguay· Forwards3
9. 9.Luís FabianoBrazil· Forwards3
10. 10.Asamoah GyanGhana· Forwards3

Spain's road to the title

1. r16vs Portugal1-0
2. qfvs Paraguay1-0
3. sfvs Germany1-0
4. finalvs Netherlands1-0 (a.e.t.)

Confederation breakdown

• UEFA13
• CONMEBOL5
• Concacaf3
• CAF6
• AFC4
• OFC1

📚 Trivia (2)

• 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.