World Cup's 101 Most Memorable Moments: Nigel de Jong's high kick

By Doug McIntyre
FOX Sports Soccer Writer

Editor’s note: Each day between now and the kickoff of the first match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Nov. 20, we’ll unveil a different memory from World Cup history. The countdown from 101 continues with

In any match anywhere, the sort of flying, studs-to-the-chest kick that Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong laid on Xabi Alonso is a clear and obvious red card.

Except this wasn’t any old game. It just happened to be the 2010 World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands, and after committing one of the most flagrant fouls in World Cup history, De Jong was shown just a yellow. Referee Howard Webb explained afterward that his view of the challenge had been obstructed; because he was behind Alonso, he — unlike a billion television viewers across the globe — couldn’t see from his vantage point how violent the tackle had been.

With VAR still eight years away, De Jong stayed on the field. Justice was served in the end, though: Alonso, wasn’t injured and played on, and Spain won its first World Cup on Andres Iniesta’s extra time goal, handing the still trophyless Oranje their third title-game defeat.

De Jong’s kick-starts wave of bookings

Xabi Alonso took a kick to the chest from Nigel de Jong.

One of the leading soccer journalists in North America, Doug McIntyre has covered United States men’s and women’s national teams at multiple FIFA World Cups. Before joining FOX Sports in 2021, he was a staff writer with ESPN and Yahoo Sports. Follow him on Twitter @ByDougMcIntyre.