The Netherlands tried to batter Spain into physical submission but ultimately failed in a bitter World Cup final. The Dutch, inventors of ‘total football’, were guilty of an horrific display of unashamed brutality in the final of football’s showpiece, earning nine yellow cards and one sending off.

A disgraceful kung-fu kick by Nigel de Jong to the chest of Xabi Alonso would have been a red card in any other match, and hard-man Mark van Bommel was lucky to stay on the field after several scything tackles. Johnny Heitinga was eventually sent off after 109 minutes, with Andreas Iniesta scoring the winner seven minutes later to hand Spain a deserved victory in a depressingly bad tempered game.

Referee Howard Webb came under strong criticism from the Dutch players and coach for his failure to send off Carlos Puyol after holding back Arjen Robben, but the striker could have prevented the outburst had he taken his chances.

Webb’s failure to award a corner just before Iniesta struck also incensed the Dutch players, but in reality they can count themselves lucky not to have been more severely punished by the referee after a first half that was a shameful display of viciousness that was designed to upset the flow of the Spanish game.

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk defended his tactics, claiming that his team needed to batter their opponents to win the game, but only served to reinforce Johan Cruff’s pre-match statement that he did not agree with the latest brand of Dutch football, which in the end, was rightfully defeated by a Spanish team that now stands on the brink of a lengthy dynasty.

The England football team were today seen checking out their new off-the-pitch strip as the official World Cup suit was launched at Marks & Spencer. A far cry in price from the previous togs designed by Armani, the national side has opted for more modest attire for this summer’s trip to South Africa.

That said, our boys are still looking pretty sharp as the line up in the latest M&S ad campaign. Joining today’s team are 1966 heroes Roger Hunt, Gordon Banks, Martin Peters and Sir Geoff Hirst, who can all still certainly hold their own in front of the camera.

The grey three-piece, wool suit is designed by Savile Row’s Timothy Everest in collaboration with the high street brand. The team are pictured in jackets adorned with the England crest, although an in-store version without the crest will be available for purchase from today.

The M&S ad sees team members standing in groups of four above the tag-line ‘Four Lions, One Tailor’, while the suits of their older 1966 counterparts receive the branding ‘Four legends, One Label.’

England manager Fabio Capello also reportedly gave his specifications for the new tight-fitting players’ suit. In previous years, the England World Cup wears have been designed by British brands Paul Smith and Burton as well as Italian legend Giorgio Armani. The latter is close friends with former England Captain David Beckham and his label-loving wife Victoria.