FIFA World Cup 2010: Johan Cruyff Says Cup Referee Was Soft

Johan Cruyff has admitted that the referee was lenient in the final, despite handing out 15 yellow cards and one red card.

"A World Cup final deserves great refereeing and, above all, deserves a referee who dares to do everything it means to be a judge," he said.

Cruyff condemned his country's style and insisted that his team should have been down to nine men. He said the tackles were so fierce that he felt the damage.

The Dutch legend who gave Holland their "total football" was upset at their tactics. "It hurts me that Holland chose an ugly path to aim for the title," said the 63-year-old.

The Netherlands opted to stop Spain at any cost and got in their opponent's faces, but most of the tackles were over the top and dangerous. Mark Van Bommel was late every time and was lucky not to have been sent off. De Jong's tackle on Xabi Alonso was more like a karate move than anything else, and he got away with a yellow card.

But The Dutch failed to sparkle as they lacked flowing football and were too concerned at stopping the Spanish.

Overall, I believe the referee had a very good game, he was consistent enough. He made a couple of mistakes but I do not think that the goal at the end was due to a refereeing mistake.

Holland never managed to keep up with Spain from the start of extra-time.

The better team won on the night, but the Dutch will sure have to win the faith back after a disgraceful display in the World Cup Final.

All quotes are courtesy of bbcfootball.com