By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports
South Africa, Wednesday, June 7, 2010 — Spain beat Germany 1-0 in the World Cup semi-finals to qualify for their first ever final. Spain had also beaten Germany in the Euro 2008 final by the same score.
Despite the class shown in their earlier four-goal victories over Australia, England and Argentina, it look like the Germans peaked too early and ran out of steam in this game.
They clearly missed the industry and energy of the suspended Thomas Muller as they struggled to create chances in front of goal with only two shots on target all match long.
Replacement Piotr Trochowski’s snapshot from range on 31 minutes was tipped away by Iker Casillas while substitute Toni Kroos’ far post shot on 68 minutes was saved.
It was Spain who stamped their authority on the match with their patient build-up play and quality of passing. Germany tried but failed to cope with the dominance of the Spanish midfield.
David Villa had an early shot on 6 minutes blocked by Manuel Neuer while Xabi Alonso had two threatening shots from range that sailed just wide.
Villa fired another shot wide on 55 minutes before Pedro’s long range effort was saved three minutes later.
Their patience paid off on 73 minutes when centre back Carles Puyol rose the highest to nod home a Xavi corner from the left.
They could have got more goals towards the end when the German defence opened up but Villa and Pedro Rodriguez wasted excellent opportunities by dwelling on the ball for too long.
This was Spain’s third successive 1-0 win in the competition and they now go on to face Holland in the final on Sunday, July 11.
History will be made as both teams have never won the World Cup before while the Dutch are in their third Final appearance.
Final Result
Germany 0
Spain 1
Carles Puyol 73′
More News and Reactions
Video highlights of the game
Match pictures
Guardian.co.uk: Spain overcome Germany after Carles Puyol winner
Dailymail.co.uk: Head boy Carles Puyol thunders La Roja into first World Cup final
New York Times: Spain advances to first final
Hearts broken in one bit of Spain
Goal.com players’ ratings
2010 FIFA World Cup Semi-Final and Final Fixtures
| SGP DATE/DAY | SGP TIME | COUNTRY A | COUNTRY B | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Finals | |||||
| Jul 7, Wed | 2.30am | Uruguay  | 2 | Holland  | 3 |
| Jul 8, Thu | 2.30am | Germany  | 0 | Spain  | 1 |
| 3rd and 4th placing | |||||
| Jul 11, Sun | 2.30am | Uruguay | 2 | Germany | 3 |
| Final | |||||
| Jul 12, Mon | 2.30am | Holland | 0 | Spain | 1(AET) |
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