Final Standings
Individual Awards
Tournament Overview
Spain won their first ever World Cup title in South Africa, with Andrés Iniesta's goal in extra time of the final completing a historic double with their Euro 2008 title. The tournament was the first held on African soil, with South Africa hosting, and the constant drone of the vuvuzela — a horn blown by fans — became the defining sound of the competition. The Netherlands played a brutal, cynical final and were lucky to have nine men on the pitch by the end. Germany's 4-0 demolition of Australia, 4-1 win over England, and 4-0 win over Argentina were the most compelling performances of the tournament.
Defining Moments
Iniesta's Extra-Time Winner
One hundred and sixteen minutes played. No goals. The Netherlands had been kicking, hacking, and fouling all night. Then Cesc Fàbregas slipped the ball through to Andrés Iniesta in the penalty area. Iniesta controlled it on his chest, let it drop, and volleyed it into the corner. He tore off his shirt to reveal a message dedicated to a friend who had died that year: 'Dani Jarque, always with us.' Spain were world champions for the first time.
Germany Dismantle England 4-1
England went into the round of 16 with fragile confidence. Germany destroyed them 4-1, with a Frank Lampard goal that clearly crossed the line being disallowed — a moment that accelerated the push for goal-line technology in soccer. The margin was brutal and the performance from Germany's young team, featuring Müller (20), Özil (21), and Khedira, announced a new generation of German football.
Suárez Handball Against Ghana
With the score level in extra time of the quarter-final and Ghana heading for a winning header, Luis Suárez deliberately punched the ball off the line with his hand. He was red-carded. Ghana had a penalty to reach the semi-final. Asamoah Gyan hit the crossbar. Ghana lost the penalty shootout. Suárez celebrated on the pitch. Africa's best chance at a World Cup semi-final ended at the hands of a deliberate handball.
Spain arrive at WC26 as one of the eternal contenders, having won three consecutive major tournaments (Euro 2008, WC 2010, Euro 2012) before a period of transition. The Netherlands, who lost the 2010 final, continue to build under a new generation. Uruguay's Forlán-era team was the last time the small nation reached a semi-final.
