Sport

A decade since Iniesta’s goal united Spain, South Africa

Johannesburg, Jul 11 (EFE).- (Camera: Nerea Gonzalez) A decade ago, all eyes were on Johannesburg as Spain and the Netherlands clashed in the first World Cup final to be held on the African continent. Spain won, and in doing so became bound to a country with which it had previously shared little history. The competition began on 11 June 2010. A month later, the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg — since renamed the FNB Stadium — was packed again for the final. FOOTAGE OF NELSON MANDELA'S STATUE IN MANDELA'S SQUARE IN JOHANNESBURG AND OF THE SOCCER CITY/FNB STADIUM. SOUNDBITES OF DANY JORDAAN, PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (IN ENGLISH); AND OF MARCOS PELEGRIN,DIRECTOR OF LALIGA IN SOUTH AFRICA (IN SPANISH).Translation:Pelegrín: "South Africa had already shown us in 2010 the passion of South Africans for football, and especially for Spanish football. The 2010 World Cup brought these two countries together, closely. They were organizing the first South African World Cup, which they did really well, and Spain won their first World Cup. So the 2010 World Cup, Spain and South Africa can't be separated.""In the end, they proved they were completely capable and they organized a great and perfect World Cup."