ESPN Stats and Information: The ESPN Statistics and Information Department thanks you all for joining us for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, we hope to see you all back here for Brazil 2014!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Have a good night. I know I won't.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: On behalf of everybody here in the box with me, on behalf of the Stats department and everybody else, THANK YOU.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Apologies to all those of you who didn't get their comments posted. I dare say we had as many as half a million comments this tournament.

JemeleHill: Thanks everyone for your brilliance. Stats, you're the best unicorn I've ever known. I will miss your magic.

Jeff Carlisle: Thanks folks. You've made this so much fun. See you in Brazil.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: We had a ton of fun, and we got more love from you, and more page views than we ever could have dreamed of.

Chris Jones: Much love.

Chris Jones: We hope to see you again in four years... Probably through some kind of weird teleportation device. We live in the future!

ESPN Stats and Information: Spain is the first European country to win the World Cup on foreign soil.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Folks, thank you for sticking with us this tournament. It's been a privilege bringing it to you.

Chris Jones: Thanks for a great month, everybody.

ESPN Stats and Information: First since France in 1998.

ESPN Stats and Information: Spain becomes the sixth team to ever win the World Cup in its first trip to the Final.

Jeff Carlisle: Iniesta was named Man of the Match, but without Casillas, there is no Iniesta.

Jeff Carlisle: The Netherlands will no doubt be bitter about some of the calls that went against them, but Robben had two golden opportunities to score and blew them both.

ESPN Stats and Information: Spain becomes the first team to ever lose its opening match and go on to win the World Cup in the same tournament.

Jeff Carlisle: Van Marwijk goes around to his players to console them.

Jeff Carlisle: Casillas in tears.

Jeff Carlisle: Dutch surrounding Webb. Not surprising.

Jeff Carlisle: Spain defeat the Netherlands, 1-0, in extra time.

Jeff Carlisle: FULL TIME!

ESPN Stats and Information: Spain will finish with the fewest goals ever scored by a World Cup Champion. (8)

Jeff Carlisle: Puyol boots it into touch...Looks like Torres just pulled his hamstring or groin.

Chris Jones: And impossible game.

Chris Jones: I really don't think Webb has done badly here.

Jeff Carlisle: Yellow to Xavi for I don't know what.

Jeff Carlisle: Howard Webb is going to get a barracking from the Dutch when the final whistle blows.

Chris Jones: Two minutes extra time.

Jeff Carlisle: Free kick to Spain.

Jeff Carlisle: The Dutch have just about lost their minds, contesting every decision now.

Jeff Carlisle: Make that throw-in.

Jeff Carlisle: Goal kick to Spain as they are doing nothing but defending now.

Chris Jones: Casillas was crying after the goal.

Jeff Carlisle: Spain need to keep their focus here. It's not over yet.

Chris Jones: Stekelenburg got a hand to it, but not enough.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He thinks it was offsides which it wasn't.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mathijsen goes ballistic and gets a yellow.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Iniesta managed to get by eveyrbody and slotted it past Stekelenburg at the far post.

JemeleHill: The dead has arisen

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Spain!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: GOAL!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Spain on the break.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Elia again brought down but no call.

Jeff Carlisle: Webb, just losing it here. Wonder if that was a makeup call.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Sneijder's free kick goes off the wall but somehow the Dutch don't get a corner!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Beach?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Elia whizzes past a few men and is brought down, so he gets a free kick from a good 35 yards.

Chris Jones: I wanted to use a different b word.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Way to show restraint there, Jones.

Chris Jones: Such a good player, such a terrible player.

Chris Jones: Robben just sneaked the ball in long after he was whistled offside. Massive bush move.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Bommel is now back as the second central defender in Heitinga's place.

Jeff Carlisle: Torres with the touch of an elephant there. It's been like that the whole tournament.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Stekelenburg punches and Navas boots it over on the rebound from long.

Chris Jones: And that one looked like a dive, too.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Xavi behind it from wide.

Jeff Carlisle: I thought the foul on Heitenga looked a bit soft on the replay.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Iniesta is again taken down, by van der Wiel this time, one of the few Dutchmen who could afford another yellow.

Chris Jones: Desperate times for the Dutch now.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch will have to defend now, and they've taken off one of their holding midfielders.

ESPN Stats and Information: Heitinga becomes the 5th player ever sent off in the World Cup Final match.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Over!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Xavi behind the free kick.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's 11 against 10 for another 11 minutes.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He's off!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Heitinga gets a second yellow!

Chris Jones: Oh boy.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Iniesta is brought down by Heitinga just outside the box!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A nice attack by the Dutch ends when Elia lets the ball go behind before sending in his cross.

Chris Jones: You know, Villa missed a penalty earlier in the tournament...

JemeleHill: So not true, whoever you are

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Fortuitous.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A ball by Xavi hits a clueless Braafheid on the back of the hands but sails into Stekelenburg's hands.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Torres gets a nice dime from Iniesta, but Heitinga is there to play it away.

Jeff Carlisle: Not sure Villa is the guy I would have taken off, but we'll see how it works out.

Chris Jones: And the crowd goes wild.

Jeff Carlisle: Wow. Torres on for Villa.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Second half is ready.

Chris Jones: And retired three times.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Half-time in extra time.

Chris Jones: Leander!

Chris Jones: One minute of extra time.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: One minute of extra time.

ESPN Stats and Information: The latest winner in a Final was scored in the 105th minute by Mario Kempes in 1978 against the Netherlands.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: That wraps up van Bronckhorst's fine career.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Giovani van Bronckhorst is off for Edson Braafheid, who had yet to play for the Netherlands this tournament.

Chris Jones: Fabregas has looked good... Maybe should have played him, you know, during the rest of the game?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cesc goes on a long run through the Dutch defense -- mostly uninterrupted -- and sends a shot from the top of the box just wide as he loses his feet.

ESPN Stats and Information: The last two extra time goals scored in the World Cup Final were both against the Netherlands in the 1978 Final.

Chris Jones: Your lack of humility.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The cracks are starting to show in both teams.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Four more minutes in this first half.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Without that touch from van Bronckhorst it might well have gone in!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: At the other end, Navas's shot is deflected into the side netting!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Bommel tries to find van Persie in the box, but his ball gets to Casillas first.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bold.

Jeff Carlisle: Van Marwijk really going for it here. De Jong was very strong today, but the Dutch definitely trying to win the game.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch replace a defensive midfielder with an attacking one.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: De Jong off for Van der Vaart!

Chris Jones: That's twice Iniesta has waited too long to shoot.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Iniesta played into space by Cesc! He had only Stekelenburg to bypass but he waited far too long once again.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Robben is called for offsides on a ball over the top.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Headed behind for a goal kick.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner to Spain as van Bronckhorst heads behind a dangerous cross to Villa on a nice Spanish attack set up by Iniesta.

Chris Jones: Can't say they're playing for penalties now... Lots of chances coming.

Chris Jones: Okay, folks, now we're getting somewhere.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mathijsen heads it over on the corner! Had a wide-open net!

Chris Jones: Very nice ball through to Cesc.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Netherlands wins a corner at the other end on a breakout by Robben.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Stekelenburg comes up with a HUGE save as Cesc is through on goal!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Iniesta tries to thread it through to Villa, but the latter was headed the other way.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's also quite cold here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: This stadium is still really very quiet.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Stekelenburg picks up the second header by Spain.

Chris Jones: Three Spaniards went down within five seconds. Hilarious.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner to Spain after quite a tussle in the box with one Spaniard after the other going down!

JemeleHill: Uh-oh, the Carl-izzle jinx

Chris Jones: First one?

Jeff Carlisle: De Jong has had a monster game.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long ball to Villa is headed back by him but doesn't fall for Xavi.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I just noticed that it's gotten cold.

Chris Jones: All right, make something happen here boys.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Spain kicks off.

Chris Jones: You think this is a great game, Bob?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're ready to go here. Extra time, folks.

Chris Jones: Not yet.

JemeleHill: I'm vulnerable to flattery

Chris Jones: I think they're eating Smores.

Jeff Carlisle: 1994 - Easily the worst final I have ever seen. Until today.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Precious.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch have brought out little blankets for them to lay on as they stretch out their cramped muscles.

JemeleHill: Like that

ESPN Stats and Information: We are headed to Extra Time scoreless in the World Cup Final for the first time since 1994.

Chris Jones: Hurray?

Chris Jones: Extra time!

JemeleHill: Might be the only goal we see for a while, pick mee

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The way this is playing out at the moment is that Spain has more of the ball and better touches and the Dutch try to catch them on the break.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Sneijder takes an absurd shot from forty yards though.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch on the break now.

Chris Jones: A reminder: One of these teams will actually win the World Cup tonight.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch thwart another Spanish breakout but Elia's ball out to Robben on the break is too hard.

Chris Jones: Curses.

Chris Jones: Three minutes of stoppage time. Industry standard.

JemeleHill: Because I choose them, Tom MUHAHAHAHA

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Persie meanwhile is called for offside after opening up into space on a ball from Sneijder.

Chris Jones: Is Neanderthals a perfect anagram for Netherlands? I'm too tired to figure it out.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Spain with a nice attack but the Dutch clear it and send Robben on the run at the other end, but he can't keep it in.

Chris Jones: Thanks, Dad.

Chris Jones: Every day Kenny G keeps playing music is a foul.

Chris Jones: He runs onto the field like Papelbon.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Alonso off for Cesc Fabregas.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Persie goes down and gets the call.

ESPN Stats and Information: Spain has gone to extra time in 5 World Cup matches all-time and has never scored a goal after regulation.

Chris Jones: *help

Chris Jones: Robben's reputation does not hep him.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Robben stuck his leg out for it to hit Casillas long after the 'keeper had grabbed the ball and then sent himself hurtling.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A Dutch free kick is cleared, but the Dutch are still on the ball.

Chris Jones: He was yelling at Webb all the way down the pitch.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Robben wanted a penalty he had no right to and gets a yellow for his complaining.

Jeff Carlisle: Casillas. Man of the Match so far.

Chris Jones: Robben is going to see Casillas in his nightmares.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Robben gets all the way to Casillas as the ball bounces on and catches Puyol flat footed but he tries to go around him and Casillas manages to snag it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Or Bedum, where Robben is from.

Chris Jones: Freeport, Connecticut: More whiners than France.

Jeff Carlisle: Good tackle by Sneijder there, but Iniesta needed to pull the trigger sooner.

ESPN Stats and Information: The last World Cup Final to reach extra time scoreless was in 1994, Brazil & Italy. The match would end in a scoreless draw and decided on Penalty Kicks.

JemeleHill: LOUD NOISES!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Iniesta gets into the box on a nice play by Alonso, but he holds off on shooting and lets Sneijder block it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: As are Afellay and van der Vaart.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Huntelaar is up and warming up.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: We've got about ten minutes of regulation left.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner is headed away.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: This game is turning more acrimonious by the minute.

Jeff Carlisle: Can't say that I have Phil. You know it's a bad game when the ref is the star of the show.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Navas wins a corner.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Iniesta is called for sending van Bommel to ground after the play was over.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Spain has been the strongest side here in these last few minutes.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ramos faked himself into a sea of space.

Chris Jones: Hurtful.

Jeff Carlisle: That ladies and gentlemen, was a fat chance.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Xavi's corner finds a wide-open Ramos! Who has only to nod it on target but sends it high!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner to Spain.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Villa gets into the box but his ball goes off the foot of van der Wiel and wide.

Chris Jones: I still have faith that this game will be redeemed.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Navas gets to the back line but his cross to Villa is hit well over.

Chris Jones: 84,490 here tonight.

Chris Jones: Sneijder now getting a talking to from Webb. He really needs to control himself.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: This is still not very pretty here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Elia is now called after Ramos goes down.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Villa hits it over.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Villa and Xavi behind it. It's at a good angle.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Free kick from 25 yards now.

Chris Jones: Sneijder has done a lot of chirping at Webb. I think he ought to be careful here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Webb calls a foul really late. Iniesta had stepped on Heitina, but Iniesta gets the call, just as the Dutch were about to break away.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mathijsen again does a good job of playing Villa tightly, which Villa evidently isn't reaction well to.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Persie gets the ball on the counter attack but he plays it right to Ramos, rather than to Elia.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He has a chance to tear through the Spanish defense with his impossibly quick runs, but he can be selfish too, and doesn't defend well.

ESPN Stats and Information: Spain has not allowed a goal after the 60 minute mark in the tournament.

Jeff Carlisle: Good move. Elia can be a handful.

Chris Jones: Oh baby. Love this guy.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dirk Kuyt is off for Eljero Elia.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Could this be... turning into a real game?

Chris Jones: Heitinga... Not good.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A ball trickled through the Dutch box but he hoofed it over from very close, but at a tight angle.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Villa goes close!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mathijsen again gets it away. Never has such a clumsy defender had so much success defending David Villa!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Villa was offside by inches on a feed from Iniesta.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Capdevilla is called for a foul on van Bommel, even though the Dutch had the ball still.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Headed away.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Robben with the long free kick.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Capdevilla it was, sorry. He gets a yellow.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Persie breaks away and is taken down by Puyol!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Spanish with a good chance! But the Dutch find just enough feet to stick in front of final passes and chances to score.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch hound the Spanish, but they didn't learn to hold onto possession yesterday.

Jeff Carlisle: The Dutch have done a good job of harassing Spain's midfield all game long.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: That wasn't unintential, The German, he made himself as wide as possible. Textbook.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: And are slowly starting to impose their will.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch have now had the biggest chance of this game.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The corner was headed back but the Dutch couldn't get it on the frame.

Jeff Carlisle: Fantastic save by Casillas. He's had several of those in this tournament.

Chris Jones: Great toe save by Casillas. So close!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Robben really should have put the Dutch ahead there!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Casillas's foot deflects it wide!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Robben on the break, all alone with Casillas!

Chris Jones: It's the Claude Lemieux of World Cup Finals.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: This has been neither attractive nor sportsmanlike.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Now Pique is moaning about an injury.

Jeff Carlisle: Is this supposed to be a sub that results in a goal? Navas was absolutely shocking in against Honduras.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Kuyt finds van Persie in the box but he hadn't the room to head it on target.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Pedro is off for Jesus Navas.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Webb, who has been whistling everything now gets in the way as van der Wiel tried to launch Sneijder on the counterattack.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Bommel is called for a really light foul on Spain.

Chris Jones: Baseball.

ESPN Stats and Information: The 7 cards handed out in the match by Howard Webb (ENG) is now the record for most ever in a World Cup Final.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Heitinga was offside at the second post, where he had a wide open header but sent it wide anyway.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Robben now with a free kick from an angle and 35 yards.

Chris Jones: In the words of my esteemed colleague John Brewin: 57 minutes, and it's still awful.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He did catch Sneijder on the knee a little. The Spanish say he's laying it on too thickly.

Jeff Carlisle: This is rivaling England/Algeria for tedium.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Iniesta is now called for a foul on Sneijder.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch play it back after the Spanish had put it out of bounds, but they do so sending it waaaaaaay into the Spanish backfield. Not very nice.

Chris Jones: Webb didn't see the foul, so it had to be for chatter.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He did catch Villa on the follow-through.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Probably for gobbing a bit too much.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mathijsen gets a yellow.

Chris Jones: Webb had his back to that one. No idea if there was contact.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mathijsen is letting him hear it, he thinks it's nonsense.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Getting serious boos now.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Villa is down and staying down.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Robben with a run on the right but he is thwarted, after which Spain gets away.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's because you turn brown so quickly, guacamole.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Way around.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Xavi's free kick curls around the upper 90.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: All the orange forms a wall.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I don't know that van Bronckhorst much cares. This will be his last ever game as a pro. He's retiring from soccer afterwards.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Spain with a free kick from about 20 yards after van Bronckhorst fouls and gets a yellow.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mathijsen does well to rob Villa of the ball and save a corner too. Sneijder then keeps it in with a lovely touch.

Chris Jones: So close to quality, and then right at the end, he mixes up chips and salsa. You never want to see that happen.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Kuyt gets the ball at the top of the box and plays it on to Robben after the ref lets them play on, in spite of a Spanish hand ball, but his shot is easily saved by Casillas.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Hol-Land, goes the crowd.

Chris Jones: Out of the group stage, you mean?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van der Wiel finds himself passing and cutting all the way to the back line, but his shot is wide of Casillas's goal.

Chris Jones: A religious figure, Puyol's hair, chips, and salsa.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Bommel bowls over Alonso but all that's called is a goal kick.

Chris Jones: Puyol liked scoring so much, he thought he'd try again.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Capdevilla whiffed though -- Mathijsen-style.

Jeff Carlisle: That goal has not been kind to defenders moving up on set pieces.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The corner swings to Puyol, who gets a teach with his head after which Capdevilla almost taps it in by the second post!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Twice now does Mathijsen actually bail out his defense, first by clumsily plowing into the opponent, then with a lovely tackle to take the ball away. Corner to Spain now.

Jeff Carlisle: A set piece is going to win this thing. I'm sorry to say.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Robben with a lovely touch to free himself up but his delivery to van Persie is way too hard.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'm like MacGyver, Kipa. I could break out of jail with that stuff.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Here we go...

Chris Jones: Oh wow. Game's about to start back up.

Chris Jones: Unspeakable things.

Chris Jones: Yeah, Chan did pretty well there.

Chris Jones: It involved a religious figure, a propeller, chips, and salsa. Not joking.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Because Brazil was playing exciting soccer? (Most of the time.)

Chris Jones: That's what I say when I hit my thumb with a hammer.

Chris Jones: Chan, I can't post your comment, but it's all kinds of awesome.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: FIFA's little screen gizmo also has a graphic on how the lineups actually look on the field, the Spanish have a giant cluster down the middle, with only the wing backs removed from the central axis.

Chris Jones: I just bought a Dairy Milk chocolate bar.

Jeff Carlisle: Check that, Sneijder *completed* seven passes. His percentage is still 44%.

Jeff Carlisle: Also, looking at the handy dandy "actual formation" stats for each team, it's clear that after some initial forays by Ramos, Spain has had zero width in their attack.

Jeff Carlisle: Sniejder had seven passes completing just three of them.

Jeff Carlisle: I'd be surprised if Sneijder got more than ten touches that half. Not that Spain's attack was all that great.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Jones, you beautiful fool.

JemeleHill: To improve our chances, we need Carl-izzle to say we're in for a bad second half

Chris Jones: Okay, let's calm down. I think we're in for a great second half.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The bad is everything else.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The good news is, if you're tuning in now you haven't missed any goals...

JemeleHill: I bet Chris misses him too since he wrote a love letter to his country

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Half-time.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: As if he hasn't dispensed a million of those.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: De Jong gets a tap from a boot to the face and lets everybody know about it.

Chris Jones: Clearly we'd give it to Uruguay.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: What a terrible idea, NJ John.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It swung in too low and was cleared.

Chris Jones: Nice stop by Casillas.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long Dutch free kick is headed back by Heitinga but can't be put on the frame. A shot by Robben can, and the Dutch win a corner.

Jeff Carlisle: Mercifully.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bother.

Chris Jones: Two minutes of stoppage time.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch think they win a corner but it's a goal kick instead.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Of note: I can confer with my colleagues at a normal volume. There isn't much atmosphere to speak of, on account of a very dull first half.

ESPN Stats and Information: 3 of the last 5 World Cup Finals have gone to the half scoreless.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Then a long ball goes past everybody.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Bommel is clipped and gets a call.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The looooooooong free kick by Xabi Alonso goes well wide, lacking the tailing movement he might have pursued..

Leander Schaerlaeckens: They've given up all pretenses of playing beautifully.

Chris Jones: A stern chat, however.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's a little painful to watch.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch really have been dirty here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: No card.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Sneijder was all to blame on that challenge, sticking his cleats right in Busquets's thigh.

Chris Jones: They each rolled a solid 10 yards. That was all Sneijder.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Violent collision between Busquets and Sneijder in the midfield after yet another Spanish long ball is for naught. Neither team has managed to hold onto the ball here.

Jeff Carlisle: Spain has fallen into its habit of trying to thread everything through the middle. Very little width at all.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Hey, Game, feel free to get going here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Bronckhorst with a foul on Pedro in the midfield.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Spain keeps throwing it into the box but it keeps getting cleared.

Chris Jones: bleed.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Xavi behind it. Headed away.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Free kick from 32 or so yards now.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It isn't very pretty, the way by which the Dutch are shutting down the Spanish midfielder, but it sure is effective.

Chris Jones: I've decided that Puyol looks like Mark "The Animal" Mendoza from Twisted Sister.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Bommel with another foul. Spain with another free kick. On Xavi this time.

JemeleHill: With a club -- not my foot

Jeff Carlisle: Dare I say, a good run by Pedro.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: At the other end, Pedro gets on his horse near the mid-way line but his shot goes wide.

JemeleHill: That looked me on the golf course

Chris Jones: Which mistake was worse? Jeebers.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Sneijder catches Spain by surprise by playing it quickly to van Bommel at the top of the box, who gets it to Mathijsen who whiffs on the ball entirely at the second post. He had a really good chance there...

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Robben gets through three men but loses it eventually. On a run from Sneijder, the Dutch win a corner.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch strikers really aren't getting any sort of room to play the ball when it comes their way.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Casillas threw the ball out of bounds for treatment, the Dutch kicked it back but it almost went into Spain's goal! Casillas had to tap it away. The Dutch gave the corner back though. Good sportsmanship.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The short quick Spanish combinations just aren't connecting today, as van Persie makes it into the box but sees Casillas soar over both him and Puyol to snag it.

Chris Jones: Robben down again.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: David Villa sent a great ball into Iniesta, but Iniesta's ball wide was intercepted by Robben.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Morgan Freeman looked incredibly bored.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Spain tries to find Xavi in the box but the ball is too hard.

Chris Jones: I have to say, De Jong's thuggery and Robben's diving combine to make the Dutch pretty unlikeable. Sorry, Leander.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'm not entirely sure it was intentional, but it sure was dangerous.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Only a yellow. De Jong gets away with it.

Chris Jones: De Jong, the dirtiest player in the game, deserved a red there. Cleats up, right in the ribs.

JemeleHill: Jackie Chan would be impressed with that kick

Leander Schaerlaeckens: De Jong now dropkicks Alonso right in the chest!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Each team wants to control the ball, but the other inevitably traps them so tightly that there's no room to maneuver at all.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: For two of the more exciting teams in the world, they're really not giving us much by way of spectacle here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Of course, as I write that, Mathijsen sends a ball straight into Xavi, but it doesn't lead to danger.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch seem to be gobbling up more and more possession here, relegating Spain to the counter.

Chris Jones: Sneijder threw a toddler-quality wobbly there.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Busquets needs to hold off Sneijder to keep the ball and gets the foul call.

Chris Jones: I really would like Robben to stop rolling around.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Meanwhile, van Bommel plows down another and gets no card.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Robben runs under a high ball but can't get to it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Sneijder's free kick sails into the box but is snapped up by Casillas.

Jeff Carlisle: On the other side of the ledger, I think De Jong has kept Xavi in check.

Chris Jones: I think he's going to keep giving out cards till these guys stop chopping each other. Next card is a red, I'll wager.

Chris Jones: Howard Webb is trying to become the Man of the Match here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yellow for Ramos too.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch on the break here now but Ramos is called for a foul on Kuyt, even though he seems to get the ball.

JemeleHill: That was legit

Chris Jones: Very bad tackle.

Chris Jones: That was very close to a red there.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Gets him a yellow.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Bommel with another savage tackle on Iniesta.

Jeff Carlisle: Some interesting battles taking shape here. Busquets had held Sneijder in check so far, while Ramos has gotten the better of Kuyt.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Persie is offside.

JemeleHill: Please, no. I curse you if that happens.

Chris Jones: Let's see if the Dutch can put something together here... Um, no.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He was almost through too.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch now settle into possession for a spell and win a corner after Robben is triple-teamed on the right.

JemeleHill: This place just got awfully quiet

Chris Jones: I wouldn't go that far, Leander... I think we'll have some fireworks tonight.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I can't say that this is a very good game thus far, guys.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Sneijder hits it straight at Casillas and it has some nice movement on it but doesn't trouble the keeper.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Free kick from 35 yards to the Netherlands.

Chris Jones: Good call, but Robben, as usual, appeared to have been struck by lightning.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Good call. Puyol got only Robben's foot.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Robben is brought down hard by Puyol who gets a yellow too.

Chris Jones: Nothing like playing with a yellow after 15 minutes.

Jeff Carlisle: I'd say Van Persie got the yellow more for persistent infringement than the tackle alone.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Persie with a misguided tackle on Capdevilla, which was either way too late or plain stupid. It yields him a yellow.

Chris Jones: Casillas looks to be making some toast with jam.

Jeff Carlisle: Vam Bommel shows no love to his former club teammate there.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Bommel sends Puyol flying and is called for a foul.

JemeleHill: No, it only counts if Car-lizzle says it

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch looked in good position to build an attack but van der Wiel let the ball skip up and then sent a pass that was intercepted.

Chris Jones: Now there will be an own goal in this World Cup Final. Evil Stats!

ESPN Stats and Information: There has never been an Own Goal in the World Cup Final.

Chris Jones: That would be a no, c-law.

Jeff Carlisle: Sneijder has barely touched the ball so far.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: On the next play, Xabi Alonso got a cross to David Villa at the second post, but his one-time volley went into the side net.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Spain got well into the Dutch box after Villa was reached and he got it out to Iniesta, who found Ramos on the right whose shot was put out for a corner.

Jeff Carlisle: De Jong has been breaking up a lot of plays. Great D by him.

Chris Jones: The pitch invader who nearly got the Cup was the illustrious Jimmy Jump, by the way.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: This game is being played in very, very tight spaces.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: If we're not doing very much by way of color or posting of comments, it's just that we're captivated and trying to to miss anything for you.

Chris Jones: Puyol is playing very well so far.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A ball over the top for Villa is just out of his reach and bounces to Stekelenburg.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Iniesta is getting rough-housed a little by van Bommel and de Jong, as was to be expected.

Chris Jones: I believe I said something about Busquets being the weak link...

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A bad pass by Busquets rolls to Kuyt who gets a shot off!

Chris Jones: Yes, for sure. Spain dominating so far.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: These first minutes have been Spain's.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch look a little frayed by their own nerves.

Jeff Carlisle: Ramos succeeding in pinning Kuyt back so far. He's doing a lot of defending.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dutch coach van Marwijk with a lovely touch to flip the ball that was out of bounds up to Ramos.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Villa is offside again.

Jeff Carlisle: Looks like the good Stekelenburg showed up today.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: On the cross Ramos got a header on target but a superb reflex by Stekelenburg kept Spain from grabbing a very early lead!

Chris Jones: Great save by Stekelenburg... Leander, you doubter.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: What a save!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Wide free kick for Xavi.

Chris Jones: This might be the saddest comment I've ever seen.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: These teams are feeling each other out as Ramos is knocked over by van Bronckhorst.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mathijsen clears a ball that Ramos might have had a run on.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch are playing with a very high line, dangerous against a striker as quick as Villa.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Villa is offside on a through ball from Pedro!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Dutch and Spanish are keeping the field very small here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ramos with a cross but it's cleared.

Chris Jones: Webb is letting them play so far.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Spain with an early attempt to slip past the Dutch but it's cleared. On the subsequent play Sneijder commits a foul.

Chris Jones: And for the first time outside of Europe, Stats!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Persie clipped Busquets and was called for a foul.

ESPN Stats and Information: This will be the seventh all-European final and means that a European nation will win the tournament for a record 10th time.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long ball to Dirk Kuyt remains out of his reach on the left in spite of his best efforts.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're off!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Netherlands to take it.

Chris Jones: Captain Obvious: This is really fun.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're ready for a kick-off here!

Chris Jones: Dutch are really singing up a storm.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Hugs between the crown princes of Spain and the Netherlands.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Holland huddle!

Chris Jones: Contrast, apparently, is out this season.

Chris Jones: The Dutch entirely in orange; the Spanish entirely in dark blue.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: "Champions! Ole! Ole!" the Dutch fans to our left sing again.

Chris Jones: Maybe a very little bit, Kipa.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: But not today!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ironically, the last line of the Dutch anthem is "the king of Spain I have always honored."

Leander Schaerlaeckens: That's over and done with, I think we're about ready for a World Cup final here?

Chris Jones: Definitely a pro-Dutch crowd.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: National anthems!

Chris Jones: I'm going to resist making a Michael Jackson joke here.

ESPN Stats and Information: This will be the first World Cup Final match without Brazil, Argentina, (West) Germany or Italy in it.

Chris Jones: Also... Dude had a ticket to the World Cup final, and now... he's going to South African jail. Bad trade.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Jacob Zuma is there too.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Blatter got booed when he was announced!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Herr Blatter is out for some handshakes and whatnot.

JemeleHill: The guys from Ocean's 11 would be ashamed of such a terrible thievery plan

Leander Schaerlaeckens: And now the players are here too.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: FIFA flags are out to much more aplomb that the country flags.

Jeff Carlisle: The tackler I mean.

Jeff Carlisle: Sign that guy up for the Springboks.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: That sure did seem to break the tension for the players in the tunnel!

Chris Jones: He made it all the way across the field.

Chris Jones: Like, inches before he was tackled.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He's being hauled off by six men!

Chris Jones: He almost got there... Holy moly.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Incredible scenes!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A fan just ran onto the field and tried to snatch the cup!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: That's one chore done.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Flags are out!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The artificiality is getting a little annoying.

JemeleHill: We have a shot, harry

Leander Schaerlaeckens: That nervousness might have come from the heart-beat broadcast over the stadium speakers.

ESPN Stats and Information: Spain is the 12th different side to reach a World Cup Final.

Chris Jones: I'm feeling nervous in my tummy.

Not hungry, you jerks. Nervous.

JemeleHill: That is quite a streak.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Van Bronckhorst is not strong defensively either, and I think on his day Capdevilla can be vulnerable too.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: That was weird.

Chris Jones: Hmmmm... I'll venture Mathijsen for the Dutch, and Busquets for the Spanish.

JemeleHill: It looks like if it's unwrapped, chocolate would be underneath (don't get excited Chris)

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The very, very happy music -- probably borrowed from the Seven Dwarfs headed off to work -- keeps on going as Cannavaro shows off the Cup to the stadium.

Jeff Carlisle: World's ugliest trophy. Bar none.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's kind of like that show where you have to open a bunch of boxes and calculate your chances of getting the one with the biggest cheque in it.

Chris Jones: It is, however, very shiny.

Chris Jones: I like how the World Cup bears no resemblance to any kind of cup.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: This is a bit much.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: And it's got a load of locks on it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's in a very handsome Luis Vuitton leather case, for some reason.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He was, of course, the last man to lift it four years ago.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Fabio Cannavaro is here to bring out the World Cup trophy.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: What do you mean, not a good omen?

Jeff Carlisle: Not a good omen, Statsie. Germany lost that game to Italy.

ESPN Stats and Information: Spain is the first reigning European champion to participate in the World Cup final since West Germany in 1982.

JemeleHill: Are there unfriendly sprinklers, Leander?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Meanwhile, the field is getting a drink from a friendly set of sprinklers.

Chris Jones: I hate all of you.

Chris Jones: 22 minutes till awesomeness.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: After the warm-ups, Spain is ahead 1-0. They ran back to the locker room in a nice, orderly trot while the Dutch sauntered in chaotically.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'd just like to make it clear, by the way, that my Dutch passport isn't in my pocket for some kind of fierce new-found patriotism but because I just flew in from Port Elizabeth this morning.

Jeff Carlisle: I don't think you're wearing any, Chris.

Chris Jones: Thanks Jeff. Any words on socks?

Chris Jones: And that's Jeff Carlisle with a who's wearing pants, who's wearing shorts ESPN update.

Jeff Carlisle: Check that, Juan Mata looks to be in warm up pants as well.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Burn.

Jeff Carlisle: For you Leander, a ticket home.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: What is that worth, Jeff?

JemeleHill: It's all fun and games until he gets home to Da Weef

Jeff Carlisle: Torres has now joined his teammates in a game of monkey in the middle. He's the only player not in shorts. For what that's worth.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: But then they're outside jokes.

JemeleHill: I'll make sure I introduce you and Brewin, because obviously you're not that memorable

Chris Jones: Not if he doesn't recognize you first.

JemeleHill: See you at the bar.

JemeleHill: Yes, the hatred is very, very strong.

Chris Jones: Merci beaucoup, Boss.

No thanks to you, Jemele.

JemeleHill: That rabid clicking I just head was the sound of 1,000 more hate mails coming yourr way, Chris

The Boss: Cheque/Check is in the mail, Chris.

Chris Jones: Boring?

JemeleHill: From John Brewin re: Chris' remark: What do you call a Canadian in a World Cup final?
Answer: Unwelcome

Chris Jones: Just announced Howard Webb... What do you call an Englishman in the World Cup Final?

The referee.

JemeleHill: I also took Chris' stapler

Chris Jones: Um, Boss? Is that true?

JemeleHill: Dedicated: No worries, we can keep a secret.

Chris Jones: I don't want to go to a meeting. I want to watch the World Cup!

ESPN Stats and Information: The Netherlands will play its third World Cup Final match tonight, but for the first time it will not be against the host nation.

Chris Jones: Anyhoo... It will be interesting to see if van Persie does much tonight. A pretty low-key tournament for him so far.

Chris Jones: I can see even my colleagues aren't reading my comments.

ESPN Stats and Information: Brazil, 1970.

JemeleHill: Shots fired! Impressive Chappelle reference

Leander Schaerlaeckens: What's more, the Dutch won every single game during qualifying. Stats, has there ever been a perfect record throughout the World Cup AND qualifying?

ESPN Stats and Information: The Dutch also finished qualifying by winning every match and it can become just the second country ever to win all qualifying matches and all World Cup matches to win the title. (Brazil 1970)

Chris Jones: The Netherlands also didn't lose during qualifying, Stats, you lovable unicorn, you.

JemeleHill: Oh, wait, did you say beer? I thought you said apple juice. Yeah, that's it. Apple juice.

The Boss: Ahem.

JemeleHill: Leander: Stop him now! I want one..

ESPN Stats and Information: If the Netherlands win today's Final, it will become only the fourth country to ever win the World Cup by winning all of its matches in the tournament. (Uruguay 1930, Italy 1938, Brazil 1970 & 2002)

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Some reporter from a country that evidently doesn't put as high a premium on professionalism as the U.S. does just walked by with an entire tray of beers.

JemeleHill: I do. I'm just a rebel.

Jeff Carlisle: Torres just walked out of the tunnel and is not warming up with his teammates. Hmmm.

Chris Jones: Stekelenburg?

Chris Jones: Frankly, I can't get enough of giant groups of people dancing before and after big sporting events.

JemeleHill: Oh, and I'm pretty sure I saw Jeff imitating Shakira when she sang Waka Waka. It's OK, Jeff, I won't judge.

JemeleHill: Closing ceremonies were awesome. Creative, without being over-done. Mandela's arrival capped it perfectly.

Chris Jones: 15 minutes from Tahoe.

JemeleHill: Though, Chris, you forget that Radio Ron does live close to me.

JemeleHill: I'm laughing so hard I can barely type...sorry, folks, that's an inside joke that will never not be funny

Jeff Carlisle: Talk about Cover It Love!

Chris Jones: Jan: Radio Ron.

JemeleHill: Jan: A lady never tells.

Chris Jones: Oh crap. Here we go.

Chris Jones: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

JemeleHill: Let's just say you may want to add a few more carbs to his diet. And also, doughnuts are now one of his nutritious food groups.

Chris Jones: That's ridiculous, Weef. You know I like Hostess Cup Cakes better.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Weef, I have not seen one healthy thing slide into that gargantuan gob of his all month.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Time for a bathroom break! (Not to cry.)

Chris Jones: Barely... holding... it... together...

Chris Jones: True story: I was watching a video feed of him, and I thought the picture had frozen. Then he blinked. The man has no feeling in his face.

Jeff Carlisle: Definitely lots of Oranje in the house here at Soccer City.

JemeleHill: I would say the Dutch have Spain by both color scheme and boisterousness

Leander Schaerlaeckens: "Champions, ole, ole!" sing the Dutch fans, evidently not fearing a jinx or anything like that.

Chris Jones: It's going to be a long night folks. And we'll be here for all of it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Either that or I didn't punch hard enough.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Chris's right shoulder is now sore.

Jeff Carlisle: The entire press row is cracking up over that one. Except Leander, who just swatted Chris.

JemeleHill: Eh-oooooooo!!!!

Chris Jones: We already have Leander.

JemeleHill: Thank you, Weef 1

Chris Jones: Booze, wood products, maybe some inedible oil... I went there and dropped some coin a few months ago. That probably helped.

JemeleHill: I concur. I need some estrogen backup.

Chris Jones: Brazil, baby, you and me. And a few million others.

JemeleHill: I guess it doesn't live here anymore...or it won't after this final.

Jeff Carlisle: Thank goodness for small favors, Chris.

Chris Jones: No, I just ruled out throwing punches over it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I think Jones just ruled ever doing CoverItLive for MLS games.

Chris Jones: I only punch Jeff after meaningful goals.

Chris Jones: We hope we see you too! (Hey Boss -- wink wink, nudge nudge.)

JemeleHill: Randomfan: With a little brown-nosing to The Boss, hopefully, we shall return

Leander Schaerlaeckens: For all the sentimentalists out there, Jones, the softie, wrote you a love letter: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/blog?entryID=5369341&name=worldcup2010blog&cc=3888&ver=us

Chris Jones: Mmmmmmmmmmm... ribs.

Jeff Carlisle: I remember. So do my ribs.

Chris Jones: Jeff is in exactly the same position when I punched him in the stomach after Donovan scored.

Chris Jones: Me! Me! Me!

Jeff Carlisle: Of all the games that I've been to, it's this one where I find myself between Leander and Chris.

Chris Jones: And Leander's perfect game is already over... *aisle*.

The Boss: Hey, who wants to do this again? Let's reconvene in four years in Brazil. Who's with me?

JemeleHill: Don't give Chris any ideas, Leander

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It should be noted that Jones is two seats down from me and that my arms are longer. That said, I'm at the end of the isle and could be sent into a lower deck with the right kind of push.

JemeleHill: Like Chris' pants?...

Chris Jones: And a stark reminder of my curry in Durban.

Chris Jones: That was for Leander, not Jemele.

Chris Jones: No problem, stupid.

JemeleHill: Leighann: That's nice of you to say, although I interpret that to mean that you'll really miss the fat jokes about Chris. Don't worry, we all will.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: You did help liberate us a little bit though...so...erm... thanks?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: You give us nothing!

Chris Jones: And we, you. I'm feeling pretty broken up about this whole ride being over.

Chris Jones: They give us tulips every year. In exchange, we give them... um, I have no idea. Canadian Club?

Chris Jones: Absolutely, Jemele.

JemeleHill: Chris: That was awesome. If you would have told me I would ever be in the same venue with that icon, I wouldn't have believed it. It was a moment.

Chris Jones: I had a case of scads once. Penicillin cleared it right up.

Jeff Carlisle: Greetings everyone. Pedro should be subbed immediately.

JemeleHill: There you go with your words...scads, Leander?

Chris Jones: Nelson Mandela was here briefly this evening, riding around the field on the back of a golf cart. A little weird, but also a lot awesome.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'm joined already by Jones, and Jemele, as you can see and scads of other special guests will jump in any time.

Chris Jones: No Torres. Pedro starting for Spain.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's only the World Cup final, after all!

Chris Jones: NETHERLANDS! SPAIN! ONE OF THEM WILL BE THE GREATEST COUNTRY ON EARTH! THE OTHER, NOT SO MUCH!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: And thanks for joining us for a game of moderate importance.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Good evening, everybody!

Chris Jones: Okay, okay, let me try again.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Fine. I'm starting over.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: This is undeserving of a World Cup final.

Chris Jones: No.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Shall we start over, Chris?

JemeleHill: Already bubbly, Chris

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's Quaaaaaagmire, it's Quaaaaaaagmire...

Chris Jones: Giggity giggity.