SPAIN REIGNS

ANDRES INIESTA becamean instant hero for millions of Spaniards and their supporters around the world when he scored the winning goal in Spain’s 1-0 World Cup Final victory over the Netherlands in Soccer City, Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday.Spain’s victory was especially sweet for the perennial under-achievers at World Cup level, since it marked their first appearance in the final game of a World Cup tournament, which, ironically, they had started by losing to Switzerland. Spain’s victory followed their capture of the European Cup in 2008Spanish happiness starkly contrasted the Dutch gloom, as it represented the third occasion the hopes of the Netherlands had been shattered at the final hurdle. Yesterday marked the Dutch team’s first defeat of the competition, and brought back harrowing memories of their losses in the 1974 and 1978 finals at the feet of Germany and Argentina respectively.Barbadians and visitors alike followed the often ill-tempered game that saw 14 yellow cards and an ejection, from homes and bars across the island.St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church was abuzz. Several Spanish nationals watched the action from the Ship Inn and screamed their delight at Iniesta’s strike before taking to the street waving their national flag in celebration.At Scotty’s Bar in Black Rock, local Dutch fans expressed their disappointment at the result and complained in unprintable terms about the refereeing.Theirs echoed the feelings of Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk, who, commenting on Howard Webb’s officiating said: “I don’t think the referee controlled the match well.”But nothing could put a damper on Spain’s joy at lifting the  World Cup trophy for the first time. (WG)