14:05 Commentary

I can hear Vuvuzelas outside, I think I'm really going to miss those controversial trumpets you know. The main Fifa control room at the International Broadcast Centre in Joburg has about a million screens - it's quite a sight - and almost all of them are showing views from Soccer City right now. I got dizzy just peering in from outside.



14:11 Commentary

Did you know that the Netherlands and Spain have never previously before met in a European Championship or a World Cup? Bizarre, isn't it? They've met nine times overall with four wins apiece, and the Dutch triumphed 1-0 at their last rendez-vous in a friendly on 27 March 2002 thanks to Frank de Boer's goal.


14:20 Commentary

The world is waiting to find out whether the great Nelson Mandela will attend the final this evening. The 91-year-old, who shares a birthday with yours truly, has been put under "extreme pressure" by Fifa to appear, according to his grandson Mandla Mandela.

15:11 Commentary

Remember, there will be English involvement in the final this evening in the shape of referee Howard Webb and his assistants Darren Cann and Michael Mullarkey. The 38-year-old former police sergeant Webb has already taken charge of Spain 0-1 Switzerland, Slovakia 3-2 Italy and Brazil 3-0 Chile. He's the first English ref to officiate the World Cup final since Jack Taylor in 1974.


15:15 Commentary English referee Howard Webb:

"We are delighted to have been selected for the game, it is a wonderful honour and a privilege. It is the ultimate honour for a referee. We will be proud to be able to show the ability and quality of match officials in England when we take to the field."


15:19 Commentary 1974 World Cup final refereeing legend Jack Taylor:

"I believe Howard is the best referee this country has ever produced. It's a huge honour and this is a great reflection of English officiating, it says that we're respected. He's a great guy, an excellent referee and it's just rewards for all his efforts."


15:25 Commentary

Breaking news: Nelson Mandela's grandson indicates the 91-year-old wants to go to the World Cup final to greet fans.


15:29 Commentary Coach Guus Hiddink:

"The Dutch have become a little like the Germans of yesteryear: realism has replaced beautiful football. Of course, it is not always pretty to the eye, and I would like more time spent playing nice football, but what (the coach Bert) van Marwijk and his players have succeeded in doing is extraordinary."

BBC Sport's Clarence Seedorf

"The whole country is celebrating. The Netherlands weren't one of the favourites before the tournament, but it's nice to see a bit of an outsider there. It's strange to say because the Dutch like to have to ball, but they don't need to have it all the time tonight. The key battle might be Arjen Robben against Joan Capdevila."



15:45 Commentary

The Netherlands stand on the brink of a feat accomplished only once before, by the brilliant Brazilians of 1970 - to win every single qualifying game and every match at the tournament too. This is a team that has now won 10 games in a row and is unbeaten in 25, both Dutch records. Their 14 competitive wins in a row is a new European record too.


15:48 Commentary

Nelson Mandela update: The icon will greet fans at Soccer City at the World Cup closing ceremony on Sunday but is likely to return home to watch the game on television, his grandson told the AFP news agency.

From eirebilly: "The atmosphere here in Holland is absolutely amazing. It's a sea of orange and the Vuvuzelas are seriously loud. There is a very good feeling here that the Dutch footballers will be welcomed home with the World Cup in their hands."


15:53 Commentary

Soccer City is open for business, by the way, so if you're one of the lucky ones who have got a golden ticket, feel free to go and sample the pre-match atmosphere. I mean we've only got a little over three-and-a-half hours left until kick-off.


15:57 Commentary Spain midfielder Xavi:

"We don't want to become another clockwork orange, we want to be the champions. We want to go down in history by lifting this trophy. It would be hugely just for football, good for this sport and, what's more, this generation of players deserves it."


16:01 Commentary Dutch winger Arjen Robben:

"I would much prefer to win a very ugly game than lose a beautiful one. The point is, we are in a World Cup final. From now on how you actually play no longer matters. We will defend from the front - no-one here feels they are too special to get their hands dirty."



16:11 Commentary

BBC Sport presenter and World Cup legend Gary Lineker, who played for Barcelona in the 1980s, reckons Spain "play the most attacking, adventurous and stylish football." The 1986 Golden Shoe winner is full of praise for the Netherlands too, but adds: "I have tipped Spain to triumph all along, just as I did two years ago. I am definitely going to stick with them now."

World Cup final







The Netherlands take on Spain for the biggest prize in football on Sunday, with the World Cup up for grabs in Johannesburg.

16:15 Commentary

Spain have scored only seven goals at the World Cup, you might like to know, with only David Villa, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol notching. The fewest goals netted by any World Cup-winning team is 11, by England in 1966 and Brazil in 1994. The Netherlands have so far banged in 12.


16:21 Commentary Spain's Euro 2008-winning coach Luis Aragones:

"We decided to make holding on to the ball our virtue - to defend with the ball, to attack with the ball, everything centered on maintaining possession with everything stemming out of the midfield. Whoever owns the midfield, owns the game. Physically and psychologically, Spain are ready."



16:25 Commentary Netherlands' Dirk Kuyt:

"Dutch football has always been very good. In every tournament we have shown there is quality. In this tournament we have shown we have more than quality. We also have belief. We believe we can beat every opponent. We have the patience to do it."



16:29 Commentary Spain's Sergio Busquets:

"[On Spain's Dutch influence] I can talk to you about Louis van Gaal and Johan Cruyff, who brought important players through from the youth system at Barcelona. Frank Rijkaard also pushed the 4-3-3 philosophy which is important for Barca and has also helped the national team."

16:36 Commentary

Let us not forget that the Netherlands v Spain is the first World Cup final without Argentina, Brazil, Italy or West Germany. Whoever wins tonight will become the eighth winners after Brazil (5), Italy (4), (West) Germany (3), Argentina (2), Uruguay (2), England (1) and France (1). As Europe are guaranteed to win, Uefa will go 10-9 up over the Conmebol nations in World Cup victories.


16:39 Commentary

There has been a lot of talk about the Netherlands midfield enforcer Mark van Bommel this week and his crucial role in trying to stop Spain playing. BBC blogger Paul Fletcher believes "how effectively he performs on Sunday will directly impact on Spain's much-feted passing game."

From hawick: "I'm excited already. These two sides have the attacking firepower (and defensive frailties, the Dutch in central defence, the Spanish in goal) to make this a vintage final. Have they the bottle to go for it, though?"


16:59 Commentary

More than 700m people watched the last World Cup final

rom Atte: "Atmosphere here inside Soccer City stadium is great, so hats off to the organisers. Bumped into Clarence Seedorf yesteday in town and have to say the man is a class act. Anyways, still have to go for Spain winning with the almost forgotten man Torres scoring the winner!"


17:05 Commentary

Clarence Seedorf reached a World Cup semi-final with the Netherlands in 1998, and he knows a thing or two (or four) about winning the Champions League too, so he is clearly no stranger to the big stage. Like Atte (below), I spoke to the AC Milan midfielder this week to find out who he is backing. Er, it's the Dutch, as it happens. "I do not think many people - myself included - really expected them to get this far but I am very proud of what they have achieved," Seedorf told me "To beat the European champions this weekend they must stick to the game plan that has brought them success in South Africa which is not focusing too much on playing beautiful football, just about winning games and getting the job done."

Wigan's Spanish manager Roberto Martinez on BBC Radio 5 live:

"In the past, Spain were always technically and tactically very capable but they went to pieces mentally on the pitch at the major tournaments. The reason they have been so successful recently is that through their club teams, and specifically Barcelona, they have developed a winning mentality and arrogance to go with it."

From Paul in France: "Hi Chris. Just came down with chicken pox today. Aparently not good in adults but I'm not letting it dim my World Cup final fever! Come on the Dutch! 3-2 AET."

17:19 Commentary

I'm about 780 miles south-west of Johannesburg, where the final will take place in 94,700-capacity Soccer City Stadium, but don't you go thinking football fever has waned in this part of South Africa since the last match took place here on Tuesday (the Netherlands' 3-2 win over Uruguay in their semi-final). There were still hundreds of fans (Spanish and Dutch) on the Waterfront when I wandered down there earlier today, and the locals have all adopted their own favourites since Bafana Bafana crashed out earlier in the tournament. Who has got the most support? Well, put it this way, there are still an awful lot of people who are dressed or painted in orange.


17:22 Commentary

If the fact that the final is tonight isn't enough of a clue for us all that the 19th World Cup is almost over, there is a closing ceremony shortly before it too. Now, I'll be honest, I've watched the last six World Cups and I cannot remember a single moment of the closing ceremonies from any of them, but Shakira is singing at this one - so I promise you I will be giving it my full attention. At the moment, there is a huge canvas covering the pitch, some of it painted in a similar pattern to the stadium itself, but nothing is going on - expect that to change in an hour-and-a-half or so.

From John, Irishman living in South Africa: "Since watching Argentina vs Holland on TV in 1978, one of my life's great ambitions has been to go to a World Cup Final. Sitting in the stand at Soccer City as I write this. Atmosphere outside was just brilliant. Inside is like no stadium I've ever seen before. So proud of what South Africa has achieved this past month. Could be a few tears shed tonight!"

17:38 Commentary

OK, we know who the octopus thinks will win (Spain). But what about that other renowned foreseer of footballing facts of the future, World Cup Motty? "The rapier thrusts of Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben could be decisive but they have got to contain the subtle passing skills of the Spanish midfield - they keep the ball so well," says Motty. "Holland have got to break up that possession football and try to strike at the other end as quickly as they can. I think it will be mighty close, I think it will go to extra-time and just feel Spain with their possession football, might have the edge. I still believe Fernando Torres could be the unknown factor in this final, he hasn't played a full game yet but you never know, he might come on as a substitute and score the winning goals."



17:40 Commentary

The closing ceremony will, er, open any second now. Looks like most of the crowd have got there in time to see it too. I guess Shakira has that effect on everyone?


From Andy in Amsterdam: "Two hours before kick-off and the city is going wild, who know whats going to happen if they defeat the Spanish tonight. I always thought I would never witness anything like Liverpool city centre after Istanbul. I have no doubt, should they win, this will top it! Hup Holland Hup!"


17:42 Commentary

Here we go. The stadium has been plunged into darkness. Either the closing ceremony is about to start, or someone forgot to pay the electricity bill.



17:44 Commentary

Just as with the opening ceremony, the stadium has had a fly-by from the South African version of the Red Arrows. I couldn't see them (it's dark and the TV camera was pointing in the wrong direction) but I certainly heard them.



17:47 Commentary

We're currently paying tribute to the other stadiums that have hosted matches at this World Cup, thanks to a natty bit of special FX that projected pictures of them on to the canvas covering the pitch. I'll be honest with you, this looks pretty awesome.



17:50 Commentary

Here she is, Shakira, and Freshlyground of course, singing 'Waka Waka'. Someone in my office is blowing a vuvuzela in tribute.

BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Soccer City Stadium

"I have just heard an emotional appeal over the tannoy for fans inside the ground not to blow their vuvuzelas during the closing ceremony. First the anthems, now this. The vuvuzela is under threat."


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_64

17:53 Commentary

They promised unique special effects in this ceremony and they weren't kidding. Right now, the pitch is now a giant newspaper - which is ripped open to reveal action from the early matches (probably not much from France v Uruguay made the cut).

David in Richmond: "Hi Chris, I think the fact Shakira kicked things off persuaded the great man Nelson Mandela to attend later! Looking forward to the final even more than Shakira's appearance, both teams deserve to be there. 2-1 to the Netherlands, Torres to score consolation goal."


18:00 Commentary

We are still covering the group stages I think. The flagsof all the participating nations have been revealed on the pitch (like a patchwork quilt) by an army of fans, and then just been squashed into the shape of the African continent. Not sure how they are going to represent Germany crushing England in the second round through the medium of dance and light, but it looks like they are going to give it a go.

South Africa president Jacob Zuma

"When we won the rights to host the World Cup, we knew that working together we would be able to succeed. However, what has happened so far, has exceeded our expectations. That is because of the role played by our people, the South Africans. They are the stars and champions of this tournament."

South Africa president Jacob Zuma

"When we won the rights to host the World Cup, we knew that working together we would be able to succeed. However, what has happened so far, has exceeded our expectations. That is because of the role played by our people, the South Africans. They are the stars and champions of this tournament."


18:08 Commentary

Luckily, some 'elephants have turned up to drink the water and drain the pitch. While that was happening we moved on to the story of the semi-finals, and we are now watching the Gumboot Dance. The action is currently is a bit like the video to Run DMC vs Jason Nevins' 'it's like that'. Comprehendo? No, thought not.

From Rich, English by birth, South African for the evening: "Have been living in Jo'burg since the beginning of the year, and the atmosphere has been building for the last six months. Anyone still in doubt that this is the best place in the world has obviously not been here yet. I don't think I will ever live through a month like this ever again. Being at the game tonight is a real privilege just to be able to enjoy South Africa's finest moment. And that was before Madiba and Shakira. Oh, and the footy too!!"


18:15 Commentary

Right, that's the end of the closing ceremony, which was pretty amazing actually. Are they all that good? I hope you enjoyed it, if you could watch it. The even better news is that we are about 75 minutes away from kick-off of the World Cup final.

18:16 Commentary

Here comes Nelson Mandela.



18:18 Commentary

BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Fernando Torres has been left out of Spain's starting line-up, with Pedro getting the nod ahead of him just as in the semi-final win over Germany. Full line-ups to follow very shortly.



18:19 Commentary

It doesn't appear that Nelson Mandela will address the crowd at Soccer City Stadium, but it is fantastic that he is just there.


Netherlands v Spain team line-ups

Netherlands: 1-Maarten Stekelenburg; 2-Gregory van der Wiel, 3-John Heitinga, 4-Joris Mathijsen, 5-Giovanni van Bronckhorst; 7-Dirk Kuyt, 6-Mark van Bommel, 10-Wesley Sneijder, 8-Nigel de Jong, 11-Arjen Robben; 9-Robin van Persie.

Spain: 1-Iker Casillas; 15-Sergio Ramos, 3-Gerard Pique, 5-Carles Puyol, 11-Joan Capdevila; 14-Xabi Alonso, 8-Xavi, 6-Andres Iniesta, 16-Sergio Busquets; 18-Pedro, 7-David Villa.

18:25 Commentary

Incredible scenes back in Amsterdam, where officials have urged fans to stay out of the Dutch capital, where 100,000 people have gathered on Museumplein (Museum Square) to watch a giant screen showing the game. "We urge people not to come, for public safety reasons but also simply because they won't be able to see anything of the match," municipal spokesman Bas Bruijn said.

BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Soccer City Stadium

"So, a cracking closing ceremony including Shakira and some excellent elephants. Then we see the great man Nelson Mandela. This game of football has got a fair old bit of work to do if it isn't to be something of an anti-climax."


Netherlands v Spain team news

The Netherlands make two changes to the side that started against Uruguay in the semi-finals as Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong return from suspension to replace Khalid Boulahrouz and Demy De Zeeuw. Spain, meanwhile, are unchanged from their last four victory over Germany, so Pedro is preferred to Fernando Torres and David Villa occupies the lone striker role.

World Cup final



Nelson Mandela appears at the closing ceremony of the 2010 World Cup ahead of the final between the Netherlands and Spain in Johannesburg.

I am so very excited about the FINAL.
What ever is going to happen I am so very proud of Holland that they came so fare.....(*_*)

"Love you Holland,love you Mum and Dad you all will be in my heart forever"

Hup Holland Hup

Sylvia xxxxx

"Come on Holland"

World Cup final



The final between the Netherlands and Spain in Johannesburg.

18:59 Commentary

There is some speculation that Fernando Torres is injured and may not be able to play any part tonight. I guess we will find out in the course of the next couple of hours or so, but it is sad that a player of his ability has been short of fitness and/or sharpness for this entire tournament.



19:03 Commentary

Right then, we are fast approaching kick-off, so it is time for me to hand you over to Jonathan Stevenson, who is at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. Just a reminder you can watch this game live on BBC One and this website (if you are in the UK). Whether you are a fan of the Dutch or a Spanish supporter, enjoy the game - I will be.

Who will win the World Cup in 2010?

Spain 8/15

Holland 44/25

Netherlands 0-0 Spain


19:30 KICK-OFF Netherlands v Spain

At Soccer City, Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie get us under way. The atmosphere's pretty good.

From xenoflits: "Van Bronckhorst plays his final match of his career, it would be lovely if he could end this as a world champion."

BBC Radio 5 live's Chris Waddle

"The Netherlands beat Brazil en route to the final so they have nothing to fear tonight. But they've got no answers so far; Spain are dominating in all areas and the Dutch can't cope with their movement. I want to see the Netherlands working the ball through midfield because at the moment they're flinging it straight from defence to attack - I don't think Van Bommel's had a touch yet - and it's coming straight back at them."


BBC Sport's Mark Lawrenson

"Slowly but surely the Netherlands are getting back into it - without creating a great deal. A few half-chances early on aside, though, not a huge amount has happened in either box to be fair."


BBC Sport's Mark Lawrenson

"The players are really not making this easy for (referee) Howard Webb are they?"



45 mins Commentary

A shot, a save! The ball falls to Arjen Robben on the right-hand corner of the penalty area and his left-foot strike is parried away from his near post by Iker Casillas. We'll take what we can get.



20:17 HALF-TIME Netherlands 0-0 Spain

A somewhat muted response to Howard Webb's half-time whistle. Put it this way - it's not going down as a classic, not at this stage anyway.

Contributor BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher at Soccer City, Johannesburg:

"This has been a bad-tempered match featuring plenty of frustrated players yet the second half has seen some clear openings and a definite increase in tension."


90 mins OFFSIDE

Wesley Sneijer slips in Robin van Persie and he rounds Iker Casillas, but the flag has long since gone up. We're heading for some extras in Johannesburg.


90 mins INJURY TIME

Three minutes to find a winner, or we are in extra-time. Don't hold your breath.


21:21 FULL-TIME Netherlands 0-0 Spain

The Dutch dispossess Xavi, but they don't seem overly interested in breaking with pace and instead Wesley Sneijder shoots tamely wide from 45 yards. It's our last action of the 90 minutes. Duh duh duuuuuh.

World Cup final





The World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain moves into extra-time after a bad-tempered and goalless 90 minutes in Johannesbu

21:41 HALF-TIME Netherlands 0-0 Spain

Don't go anywhere, these change-arounds are spectacularly rapido.


116 mins GOAL Netherlands 0-1 Spain

Spain might have just won the World Cup. Fernando Torres gets the ball on the left and clips a cross into the box. It is half cleared to Cesc Fabregas and he finds Andres Iniesta in the area - the little Barca magician takes a touch before volleying past Maarten Stekelenburg. He whips his shirt off and the Spaniards have gone mental.


Netherlands 0-1 Spain


22:02 FULL-TIME Netherlands 0-1 Spain

SPAIN HAVE WON THE WORLD CUP.

Iniesta fires Spain to World Cup glory


Andres Iniesta scores with four minutes left in extra time to give Spain their first World Cup with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands.

I want to thank you for all the work you put into this thread job well done.