FIFA World Cup 2010 Knockout Stage Summary
The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa marked Africa's first time hosting the tournament and delivered a
historic final. Spain claimed their first-ever World Cup title, defeating the Netherlands 1-0 after
extra time thanks to Andrés Iniesta's iconic 116th-minute goal at Soccer City, Johannesburg.
2010 World Cup Bracket Highlights
- Historic final: Netherlands 0-1 Spain (AET) - Iniesta's 116th-minute winner crowned
La Roja world champions
- Golden Boot winner: Thomas Müller (Germany) - 5 goals, 3 assists (won on
tie-breaker over Forlán, Sneijder, and Villa who also had 5 goals but fewer assists)
- Golden Ball winner: Diego Forlán (Uruguay) - Outstanding tournament performance
- Biggest shock: Germany 4-0 Argentina in the quarterfinals - Complete demolition of
Maradona's team
Key Tournament Statistics
The World Cup 2010 bracket was defined by Spain's tiki-taka dominance and several dramatic knockout
matches. Germany's thrilling 4-1 victory over England featured the infamous "ghost goal" controversy.
The tournament produced 145 total goals across 64 matches - the lowest-scoring World Cup since 1990. The
vuvuzela horn became the iconic sound of the tournament.
Spain's Road to Glory
- Round of 16: Spain 1-0 Portugal - David Villa's long-range strike
- Quarterfinal: Paraguay 0-1 Spain - Villa strikes again
- Semifinal: Germany 0-1 Spain - Puyol's towering header
- Final: Netherlands 0-1 Spain - Iniesta's moment of glory