Spain beat Germany 1-0 on Wednesday evening to ensure that the winner of the final against Holland on Sunday will win the World Cup for the first time.
A tight contest against the form side of the tournament was decided by veteran Spanish defender Carlos Puyol’s powerful header in the 73rd minute. The European champions had been threatening for a long period, and the goal came in unconventional fashion for a side renowned for its flowing passing moves.
As the corner swung in, Puyol ran onto the ball from deep. Four German defenders failed to pick up his run, and the goalkeeper had no chance as the ball was powered past and into the net.
Advertisement
Germany, whose 4-1 and 4-0 demolitions of England and Argentina in the previous rounds were the two best performances of the tournament, created few chances. The Spanish left fewer gaps at the back than Germany’s previous opponents, who had attacked en masse and often carelessly. Spain’s more cautious, passing build up left the German counterattack with few chances to hit on the break.
Credit goes to the referee for giving no unnecessary cards in a game that was hard fought, but with no moments of serious foul play.
Holland versus Spain in the final is an exciting prospect. Both sides are packed with talented players comfortable on the ball and able to move it around with pace and skill.
I would pick Spain as the likely winners for the way they were able to stifle the hottest team in the tournament. The way they move the ball around with precise passing frustrates opponents and creates chances. The question is whether they will be able to take them.
