The island was caught up in World Cup fever on Sunday night as an extra-time goal from Barcelona midfielder, Andres Iniesta, ensured Spain won its first World Cup. The national team had already gone further in the competition than ever before, but after a quite devastating performance against Germany in the semi-finals, there was surely only going to be one winner. However the Dutch were coming off a 25-match unbeaten run themselves, and were yet to taste defeat in the competition.

It was all set up for a wonderful finale as the game’s show-piece was broadcast around the world to an estimated 700 million people. The appearance of Nelson Mandela during the closing ceremony only added to the frenzied atmosphere, but unsurprisingly the game that followed failed to live up to its billing.

The national team had already gone further in the competition than ever before, but after a quite devastating performance against Germany in the semi-finals, there was surely only going to be one winner. However the Dutch were coming off a 25-match unbeaten run themselves, and were yet to taste defeat in the competition. It was all set up for a wonderful finale as the game’s show-piece was broadcast around the world to an estimated 700 million people. The appearance of Nelson Mandela during the closing ceremony only added to the frenzied atmosphere, but unsurprisingly the game that followed failed to live up to its billing.

In an ill-tempered match, short on quality, English referee Howard Webb brandished a record 12 yellow cards, plus a red for Everton's John Heitinga on a night when Holland simply came to stop the Spanish playmakers. The first yellow was shown in the 14th minute to Holland’s Robin van Persie, with Nigel de Jong’s karate kick on Xavi Alonso the worst of a string of harsh challenges, several of which could have earned straight reds. However the coaches’ tactics seemed to be paying dividends as Spain looked strangely subdued with neither of their playmakers, Iniesta or Xavi, being given too much time on the ball.

Holland’s Arjen Robben had the best chance of the match during the regulatory 90 minutes, after the former Chelsea star had been set free by Dutch playmaker Sneijder. He seemed to have done everything right, cleverly sending the Spanish keeper, Iker Casillas, the wrong way as he shot to his left. Instinctively the Spanish captain stuck out a leg sending the ball just wide. It is a moment Robben will surely relive several times in his head, as Spain seemed to grow from that moment. Firstly Cesc Fabregas had a decent chance, once during the 90 minutes, and then again in extra-time, before the winner finally came courtesy of Iniesta.

The final whistle was greeted by chaotic scenes, both here and across the country, as people partied long into the night.

The goal scorer said afterwards "We have all done an incredible job. I don't think we even realize quite what we have done."

The World Cup featured a record 31 one-goal decisions out of 64 matches — four more than the previous high set in 2002.