Viva Espana!

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¡Viva España! Congrats to Spain for pulling off the first World Cup win in their history! It wasn't the best final I've ever seen--there were a ton of missed chances (although some great saves, too, particularly by Casillas) and neither team seemed to be playing at the top of their game. Nerves, I guess. It was also unfortunate for the Dutch that the winning goal came about from a sketchy decision (the free kick taken by Holland's Sneijder only moments before clearly went off a Spanish player, but a goal kick was awarded rather than a corner), but all in all a thrilling win for the Spanish nonetheless. And nice to see good ol' Sepp Blatter shows up to present some teams with their trophy.

The Scene in Madrid - via

My big hope is that one day soon these big tournaments start utilizing goal-line video technology. It's way overdue.

A common sight during the game - Howard Webb, who also refereed the Champions League final that Robben and Sneijder played in, wielding a card. (What is it with these Holland games and tons of yellows?)

Wesley Sneijder's gorgeous girlfriend Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen (who was born on Ibiza and is Spanish on her father's side), wearing an unfortunate hat that does nothing to hide her magnificent mane.

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Iniesta scored the winning goal which, according to his undershirt was dedicated to Daniel Jarque, the 26-year-old soccer player who died last August.

 

Ecstasy for La Furia Roja

Iker Casillas, voted the best goalkeeper of the tournament, spontaneously kissing his girlfriend TV presenter Sara Carbonero, during a post-game interview.

Despite not pulling off this win Sneijder is still my pick for the Ballon d'Or.

Awww. We were debating, but I think there is such a thing as manly tears and then there is OTT unattractive sobbing that should only occur at the death of a relative or puppy. - via

I feel horribly for the Dutch who have now had to suffer this fate three times.

And congrats to Diego Forlán for winning the Golden Ball, he really had an unbelievable tournament, and also to Germany's Thomas Müller for winning the Golden Boot (he also won for best young player.)

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And, seriously, I'm starting to believe in that psychic octopus...

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend and
don't forget to enter the Dear Colleen giveaway!

Photos via gazzetta.it, unless otherwise noted.