Spanish team; well, almost
Spain have advanced to their first FIFA World Cup™ Final, Carles Puyol's 74th-minute header securing a deserved 1-0 victory over Germany in Durban.
The semifinal win marks the first time that Spain has been in the finals of a World Cup. This was the first appearance of Spain's team, in fact, in a World Cup semifinal match as well.
Whatever the outcome at Soccer City on Sunday, there will be history made with a new name on the Trophy after Spain produced their best performance of these finals to end Germany's hopes of an eighth Final appearance and secure their first. Joachim Low’s men, missing the suspended Thomas Muller, were unable to repeat the scintillating displays with which they swept aside England and Argentina and, as in 2006, suffered the anguish of semi-final defeat.
No one played to their level. Schweinsteiger was nowhere to be seen. Mertesacker did not contribute. Pudolski was uninspiring. Only Ozil an Klose tried, but had no support from anyone. Lahm was running in, but had trouble on deciding whether to defend or attack primarily, and then settled to defend. That did it in for Germans. There was no sign of fluent German attacks.
Spain on the other hand was not finding its space. I mean, not the space that Germans were giving them, but something else, like where to put the ball in. They were really missing Torres's speed. Rest were all routine business, with Xavi, Iniesta, Xavi Alonso and Pedro doing a great job. The goal came from old warhorse Puyol. From a corner by Xavi, Puyol leapt above team-mate Gerard Pique and powered a header past Neuer. Puyol was magnificent today and I thought was a good contender for MoM. Pedro had a great game, though couldn't finish half the time he made a startling run in the flanks, or cut in through the center. I would like to see more of Cesc but Del Bosquinte thinks otherwise. Anyway they are winning, and playing beautifully. That is enough.
Result. Team that made least mistakes won.
Ironically, Paul the oracle octopus, which has predicted Germany's wins and losses accurately for the World Cup up to the semifinal, actually predicted the Spanish win today. This makes the critter's record for the 2010 World Cup 6 for 6.
Xavi has been elected MAN OF THE MATCH
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