Spain pipped Holland to clinch the World Cup with a goal on 116 minutes by midfielder Andres Iniesta.
With the match only four minutes away from a penalty shootout, substitute striker Fernando Torres sent in a cross from the left to Cesc Fabregas, who found Iniesta unmarked at the far post to stab the ball into the net.
With the victory Spain reasserted their dominance in world football after they also won the European Cup in 2008.
In a match characterised by tight defending, Holland also had their fair share of chances to break the deadlock during normal time.
Arjen Robben was especially dangerous down the right wing and Spanish keeper Iker Casillas twice pulled off two point blank saves to deny the Robben.
But on the whole, Spain’s defence, with Gerard Pique in great form managed to contain the Dutch threat and their star midfielder Wesley Sjneider made little impact on the game.
For Spain, striker David Villa came close early while Pedro also provided some thrusting runs.
Spain also dominated possession with midfielders Xavi and Iniesta once again dictating matters in the centre of the park.
In extra time, substitute Cesc Fabregas immediately made an impact with his penetrating runs from midfield. On one occasion he broke into the box but Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg made a fine point blank save.
With the match seemingly headed for a shootout, Torres, broke free down the left and sent in a cross that Iniesta stabbed home to the delight of his team mates.
Holland could not respond and Spain held on to be crowned world champions.