Holland coach Bert van Marwijk hailed Spain as the best side in the world following Sunday’s tempestuous final in Soweto.
Van Marwijk’s men fell to Andres Iniesta’s 116th minute winner at Soccer City Stadium at the end of game in which referee Howard Webb showed 14 yellow cards and one red.
The English official has been criticised by several Dutch players, including Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt, but while van Marwijk was also unhappy with Webb’s performance, he believes Spain deserved the victory.
“I don’t think the referee controlled the match well,†he said. “I’m trying to analyse the match as best as possible. But I read a few things today about how angry Spain were at the refereeing in the first match against Switzerland.
“If you view the performance (of Webb), you’d almost think now that that first match had an influence on this game now.
“But let me be clear about this: the best team won the match.â€
