World Cup 2010 : Spain over Germany!

World Cup 2010 : Spain over Germany!

It's going to be a first World Cup finals for 2008 Euro champs Spain as it edged Euro rival Germany , 1-0 in their Semis match! As expected ,the match proved to be a thriller with the deciding goal scored off a header by Carles Puyol from a corner by Xavi in the 74th.




It was certainly an intense first half although Spain dominated it at 58%-42% possession with its trademark crisp passing plays that stifled Germany's swift attacking offense. The Germans had a few opportunities though off some breakaways but these were repulsed by the tight Spanish defense . Germany's breaks in the 1st half were highlighted by Trowchoski's 30-yard strike that was foiled by GK Iker Casillas and a Mezut Ozil breakaway from a pass by Klose near the end of the half that was dangerously thwarted by Sergio Ramos.

Unlike their spectacular wins against England and Argentina , this time ,the expected German blitzkrieg and counter-attacks never rolled past the Spaniards' lightning fast defensive wall.


It was still a tough seesaw battle in the 2nd half. Spain had more chances to score first but German defense was quick to set up and GK Neuer was unflappable.Until that fatal header by Puyol that breached Germany's erstwhile impenetrable defense; thus, ending their title hopes and breaking the hearts of scores of Deutcsh fans !

It may be the first and only goal so far in the tournament for the struggling Puyol but it was more than enough to bring La Roja to its first World Cup finals!



So it's now down to La Roja vs Oranje for the World Cup 2010 finale in Johannesburg on Sunday , July 11! Interestingly , both never won the World Cup before although Netherlands almost won it in Germany 1974(1-2 vs Germany) and Argentina 1978(1-3 vs Argentina in extra time).On the other hand,Spain's highest finish was 4th place (Brazil 1970).

Which team will be able to live the dream of a first ever World Cup title? What's your pick on Sunday ? Red or Orange?

I see a Euro 2008 reprise by Spain...'though I could be wrong!