Ex-Barcelona striker David Villa has discussed why he believes the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was the pinnacle of his illustrious career.
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Thirteen years ago, fans from around the world descended on African shores to witness the continent host the beautiful game's biggest event for the first time. An enthralling month of football in South Africa culminated in Spain ultimately being crowned champions of the world for the first time in their history after they defeated Netherlands 1-0 at the FNB Stadium in the tournament's final in extra time.
While then-Blaugrana midfielder Andres Iniesta was the man who famously found the back of the net against the Dutch, a crucial figure in La Roja's success was his soon-to-be club teammate Villa. From his spectacular solo effort against Honduras to his long-range stunner against the Chileans, the versatile forward proved his worth to his manager and country when it mattered most.
Speaking exclusively to Soccer Laduma, Villa revealed why South Africa's iteration of the World Cup was so special to him.
"It makes me especially pleased to receive a question from South Africa and to remember those times. They were fantastic times we experienced there. Not just because we reached our goal of winning the World Cup but also because of our day-to-day experience. Also because of how affectionate South Africa was towards us in every match and every training session. I'll never forget those memories. Time goes by and it happened a long time ago but I still remember all of it," he said.
Spain's all-time top goalscorer also admitted that his success on the southern tip of the African continent trumps all his other career achievements.
"100 percent, yes. Having had major achievements in LaLiga, with Spain and in other leagues I've played in but the best moment was that moment in the final in South Africa where we were able to win the World Cup."
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The Tuilla native scored in four of Spain's seven encounters during the competition, and, while he finished third behind Diego Forlan and Wesley Sneijder in the race for the Golden Ball, the attacker was selected for the tournament's All Star and Dream Team.
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