Spain had the players and the passing. Tiki-taka had become the most admired style in the game. What Spain did not have, until the summer of 2010, was a World Cup.
The final against the Netherlands was a bruising affair, often described as the most foul-riddled final ever played, and it was still goalless deep into extra time. In the 116th minute Cesc Fabregas found Andrés Iniesta in the box. One touch to control, then a right-foot shot past Maarten Stekelenburg. Spain won 1-0 after extra time and were world champions for the first time.
Iniesta then pulled off his shirt. Underneath was a message: "Dani Jarque siempre con nosotros", Dani Jarque always with us. Jarque, a friend of his, had died the previous year.
Why does Iniesta's goal rank so high?
Partly because of what it finished. The win sat in the middle of a run nobody had managed before:
- Euro 2008
- the 2010 World Cup, won with this goal
- Euro 2012 two years later, completing the treble
And partly because of the man. Iniesta was never the loudest player in that golden generation. He happened to be the one standing in the right place in the 116th minute, and he struck the ball as if it were a Tuesday training session.
Football, friendship and a shirt that said more than any interview could. That is why the goal still carries weight in Spain.
Number 12 follows tomorrow.
