Spanish Football Team Wins World Cup First Time In Today's Memory, July 11 2010

The Spanish national football team lifted the 2010 World Cup trophy. (FIFA)

JAKARTA – Today's memory, 13 years ago, on July 11, 2010, the Spanish national football team won the World Cup for the first time. The victory was obtained because Spain managed to beat the Netherlands with a narrow score of 1-0.

Previously, Spain's path to becoming a World Cup champion had been predicted by many people. It all boils down to La Furia Roja's success as the European Cup (Euro) 2008 champion. This success was thanks to world-class players. From Fernando Torres, Sergio Ramos, to Xavi Hernandez.

Spain's presence in world football tournaments is often anticipated. The owner of the nickname La Furia Roja was even favored to come out as champion. However, the Goddess of Fortune has not sided with Spain. Every time the World Cup is held, Spain fails to win.

Their best achievement was at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. At that time, Spain was able to advance to the Semi-Finals (at that time the World Cup winner was determined through a points system). Spain's desire to concoct players with the best coaches came after that. Even though this seriousness was only seen ahead of the 2008 European Cup.

The Spanish national team, which was built by the seasoned coach, Luis Aragones, was able to steal the spotlight. The squad, which is filled with a parade of star players at the world's big clubs, is the bottom line. These players made Luis Aragones fearless against any country in the European Cup which took place in Austria-Switzerland.

The Dutch and Spanish teams during the procession to sing their respective national anthems in the 2010 World Cup final. (Wikimedia Commons)

The results were brilliant. Spain was able to win Group D with an unbeaten record against Russia, Sweden, and Greece. Spain was even more successful when it entered the quarter-finals. They were able to beat the 2006 World Cup champions, Italy via a penalty shootout.

After that, Spain became more confident in beating Russia in the Semi-Finals. Spain won 3-0. The confidence of the entire Spanish National Team increased when they faced Germany at the top of the party. Spain narrowly won 1-0 from Germany.

The figure who became a hero at that time was a Liverpool striker, Fernando Torres. Spain's victory was greeted with fanfare. However, the Spanish struggle continued and new problems emerged. The brain of Spain's victory, Luis Aragones, chose to retire.

The Spanish national team then prepared to go on to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a new coach. Vicente del Bosque, his name.

“Luis Aragones retired after the success of Euro 2008 and was replaced by former Real Madrid coach, Vicente del Bosque. As the successor to the European champion team, Del Bosque's task is actually quite tough, namely to continue the slick appearance they have achieved. However, he is also quite lucky because he inherited a solid squad on all fronts, be it defense, midfield, or attack.”

“This is what makes Del Bosque confident in undergoing the 2010 World Cup qualification round which is incorporated in Group 5 of the European Zone. Del Bosque's confidence grew stronger when he scored a record tenth victory in his debut in charge of the national team. The victory continued until the 13th point, before being stopped by the United States in the Confederations Cup semifinals in South Africa on June 24, 2009,” explained Tony Hendroyono in the book FIFA World Cup 2010: Laga Akbar Tim Sepak Bola Dunia (2010).

Spain defender Sergio Ramos (15) faces Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt in the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa. (FIFA)

The change of coach did not make the Spanish National Team confused about strategy adaptation. Because, Del Bosque is not just any coach. He is the coach who once brought Real Madrid to glory in the world. His experience coaching Madrid then became a big capital.

He was then able to hone the talents of his star players who were predicted to be the most expensive team. The squad is inhabited from Xavi Hernandez to Fernando Torres. The spell brought results in the 2010 World Cup Group Stage.

At first, Spain had to swallow the bitter pill after being defeated by Switzerland 0-1. Spain then began to improve its performance in the next match. Spain against Honduras 2-0. Then, won again against Chile 2-1.

Spain's success in winning Group H made Del Bosque's men count. Spain was able to bulldoze Portugal with a narrow score of 1-0 in the last 16. The thin score also accompanied Spain's journey through the quarter-finals by beating Paraguay 1-0 and winning over Germany 1-0 in the semifinals.

The ideal final that was awaited was then presented in the final match which took place at Soccer City Stadium (FNB Stadium) in Johannesburg on 11 July 2010. The Netherlands is now challenging Spain for the World Cup title for the first time.

The Goddess of Fortune then sided with Spain. La Furia Roja narrowly won through extra time drama 1-0. The figure of the Barcelona midfielder, Andres Iniesta is the hero. The star-studded and most expensive team in the world went on to win the World Cup for the first time.

“Similarly, the players who play for the Spanish National Team, who won the 2010 World Cup, are the most expensive team for their players as a whole, which is 670 million euros. Coaches who handle the national teams of each country participating in the 2010 World Cup finals also get fantastic income," said Hinca Ikara Putra Pandjaitan in the book Kedaulatan Negara VS Kedaulatan FIFA (2011).