3-5-2 FOOTBALL

Cesc Fabregas hailed a historic moment for Spain after he helped La Roja to their first World Cup triumph. The Arsenal midfielder came off the bench to create the extra-time winner for Andres Iniesta as Spain beat Holland 1-0 in Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium. Fabregas found himself playing a bit-part role throughout the tournament, but he said the victory made up for all the frustration. Fabregas also had some sympathy for Arsenal team-mate and Dutch forward Robin van Persie after the game. BOLA BOYZ    ARSENAL      NOBLESTAR   CLICK HERE for more WORLD CUP 2010 updates!

Andres Iniesta's strike with four minutes left of extra-time fired Spain to World Cup glory for the first time in their history as they vanquished Holland in a fractious final at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium. In a game when a record number of yellow cards were given and John Heitinga was sent off in extra-time, both sides missed great chances from Arjen Robben and Cesc Fabregas, but Andres Iniesta netted in the 116th minute to give European champions Spain their first World Cup title. Spain completely dominated possession but had few clear-cut chances to show for it, with a free header from Sergio Ramos and a David Villa strike that was deflected over the best opportunities in normal time. Demonstrated some excellent touches in midfield, with plenty of classy interchanges and never showed frustration when they couldn't break through.  After an unimpressive first period, in which four Dutch players were yellow carded, Bert van Marwijk's side came into the game m

Joachim Low insists he had no choice but to leave flu-ridden Miroslav Klose out of the third-place play-off with Uruguay. Klose, 32, had every chance of setting a new World Cup scoring record having netted four times for Germany who, so far, remain the highest scoring team in the tournament. But his chances were dashed when he was dropped from the starting line-up on Saturday evening through illness. He now looks unlikely to better Brazilian Ronaldo's record of 15 goals, with age very much going against him. Low admits it was a difficult decision to make but insists he had Germany's best interests at heart. Klose was said to be devastated to miss out but he understood Low's predicament. BOLA BOYZ    WORLD CUP     3-5-2 FOOTBALL   Anywhere… Everywhere… We'll Deliver! - NOBLE STAR  

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez believes his side has proved themselves as world class in South Africa this summer. The South Americans suffered a 3-2 defeat to Germany in the World Cup third-place play-off match on Saturday after being knocked out by Holland in the semi-finals. But Tabarez lauded his team's campaign in the tournament, insisting they have exceeded expectations. Uruguay have been the surprise success story of the World Cup, progressing from a difficult group to beat South Korea and Ghana in the knock-out rounds, and Tabarez hailed their hard work throughout the tournament. BOLA BOYZ     3-5-2 FOOTBALL    NOBLESTAR

Xabi Alonso admits winning the World Cup with Spain would surpass his Champions League success with Liverpool. Real Madrid midfielder Alonso was part of the Liverpool side that staged the remarkable comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul. Alonso scored against Milan as Liverpool came from three goals down to draw 3-3 before winning the game in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. " But winning the World Cup, that is an achievement that so few players can make. Some of the best players the game has known never got a chance like this, when you can spell your name in history. " Spain take on Holland on Sunday in their first-ever World Cup final and Alonso admits winning the game's biggest prize would be the ultimate honour.   WORLD CUP     3-5-2 FOOTBALL      LIVERPOOL   Anywhere… Everywhere… We'll Deliver! - NOBLE STAR  

Holland will be at full strength for the World Cup final on Sunday after star player Wesley Sneijder shrugged off a calf problem. The Inter Milan midfielder, who is in the running for the golden boot with five goals to his name, had not trained since Holland's semi-final win over Uruguay through on-going cramp. However, the 26-year-old will not allow the injury to prevent him from facing Spain on the biggest stage of all as both sides bid to lift the trophy for the first time. Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has recovered from a hip injury and will maintain his position while Gregory Van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong are back in contention for a start after serving one-match suspensions. BOLA BOYZ    WORLD CUP     NOBLESTAR CLICK HERE for more WORLD CUP 2010 updates!

Spain striker David Villa says his side's chances of winning the World Cup hinge in their ability to silence Holland's strikers. The two countries square up in Johannesburg on Sunday with the pair vying for their first ever World Cup crown. The Netherlands have taken the classy route to the final, seeing off their opponents with some effective yet equally stylish play. Spain's success has been somewhat more hard-earned but they were back to their ball-keeping best to starve Germany out of the semi-final on Wednesday. Villa is on course to collect the Golden Boot should he score, says it is imperative his team mates maintain their passing game from the defeat of Joachim Low's team. But he also warned against the threat of the Dutch strikers, who he feels could cause his team significant damage should they be allowed to roam in Soccer City.   3-5-2 FOOTBALL    NOBLESTAR     LIVERPOOL Not enough FOOTBALL ??? Click HERE!