FIFA World Cup 2010 was held in South Africa from June 11 to July 11, 2010, was the 19th edition of the renowned international soccer tournament. It was the first World Cup hosted in Africa, with 9 cities across the country hosting 64 matches.
South Africa as host nation was granted automatic qualification, with the remaining 31 teams participated in the 2010 World Cup, including 13 European teams, 5 South American teams, 3 North American teams, 5 African teams, 4 Asian teams and 1 team from Oceania group. Slovakia & Serbia appeared first time as Independent nation.
The competition began on 11th June 2010, with a round of 32 teams, split into 8 groups of 4. First match was played between South Africa and Mexico, with a result of draw game of 1-1 goal. The group stage was full of surprises like France losing all group matches, Australia's team draw match with low Rank Ghana, Japan wining match against Denmark, defending champions Italy got eliminated from group stage without any win.
The group stage saw the two best teams from each group progressing to Round of 16, which began on 26th June 2010. Uruguay, South Korea, USA, Ghana, Netherlands, Slovakia, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Germany, England, Paraguay, Japan, Spain and Portugal qualified stage. Round of 16 also saw major upset Ghana defeated USA by 2-1.
Quarter Final stage began on 2 July 2010. Uruguay defeated Ghana 4-2 on Penalty kicks, after tense battle. Netherlands defeated Brazil 2-1. Germany defeated Argentina 4-0. Spain defeated Paraguay 1-0.
1st Semi Final was played on 6th July 2010 between Netherlands and Uruguay, Netherlands defeated Uruguay by 3-2. 2nd Semi Final was played on 7th July 2010 between Spain & Germany, Spain defeated Germany 1-0.
Final was an epic match between two of the greatest teams in the world – Spain and the Netherlands. The match was held on July 11, 2010 at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Dutch, playing in their distinctive orange kit, and the Spaniards, in their blue color, with their flag strips on shirts.
The match itself was a tense affair with both teams having chances to win it. In the first half, the Dutch created the better chances but were unable to break the deadlock. In the second half, it was Spain who had the better of the chances, but they were unable to convert them into goals. The game eventually ended in a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes of football, and so the match went to extra-time. The Spanish eventually found the breakthrough in the 116th minute when Andres Iniesta scored the winning goal. Spain who prevailed and was crowned the World Cup Champions for the 1st time.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup Final is sure to be remembered as one of the greatest matches in football history. It was a thrilling match that was filled with drama, excitement and emotion. It was an incredible spectacle that will be remembered for years to come.