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😊 Iniesta of my life: 15 years since Spain reached football heaven

Over a decade and a half later, the memory of that magical final in Johannesburg still hasn't faded from our minds.

On July 11, 2010, Spain wrote the happiest page in its history by becoming world champions for the first time, and today we remember it.

Kung-fu didn't work

15 years since Spain reached football heaven

📸 Laurence Griffiths - 2010 Getty Images

In the 28th minute, Nigel de Jong took down Xabi Alonso with a kick to the chest. Howard Webb only showed him a yellow card, unleashing a wave of outrage among journalists and fans.

What De Jong didn't know was that he was lighting the fuse...

Casillas 🆚 Robben for history

In the 62nd minute, Robben was left alone in front of Iker Casillas and the stadium held its breath.

The Spanish goalkeeper stretched out with the tip of his right foot to deflect the shot, in one of the most important saves in Spanish football history.

Iniesta of my life

Minute 116. Fábregas serves a pass that Andrés Iniesta controls with his usual class before shooting Stekelenburg.

Camacho shouting “Iniesta of my life!” in the TV broadcast is history in our lives.

“Dani Jarque, always with us”

📸 GABRIEL BOUYS - 2010 AFP

After scoring the winning goal, Iniesta took off his shirt to show a dedication to his late friend, Dani Jarque. The gesture moved the world and was even applauded by the rival fans. That night, Spain didn't just win with football, but also with heart.

The biggest party in history

In the 120+3 minute, Howard Webb's whistle ended a suffered, tense and glorious final. Players, coaches and substitutes merged into an eternal hug while millions of Spaniards took to the streets to celebrate like never before.

That sound was the start of a party that lasted all night... and continues for all those who lived it.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.