GERMANY 0
In the best technical display so far, Spain has made it into the final to play the Dutch after an absorbing contest with Germany.
Spain arm wrestled the Germans in the end through sheer possession and technique on the ball, with Iniesta and Xavi again dominating the centre, and Ramos and Capdevila providing great width. Ramos in particular gave German left back Boateng a bath, forcing a switch for Marcel Jansen.
Spain set out to win and possess as much ball as possible, and after 15" had a staggering 72% of possession. The principle of keeping possession was strictly adhered to as Spain starved the Germans of any momentum, with any chances a brief counter rather than a patient build up. The shot on goal from substitute Kroos on 68" was as close as Germany were going to get.
On 73", a great delivery by Xavi was met by Chewbacca with a thunderous header past Neuer. From there, German were forced to bring on Mario Gomez for Khedira and play more direct, leaving more gaps for Spain on the counter, from which sub Torres should have scored if Pedro el codicioso went for glory. The failure to lay off for Torres will probably cost him a spot in the final XI and Boaque will be thankful that Pedro has made the decision easier for him.
The game's quality was also enhanced by the referee's commendable example of minimalism, with no unnecessary punctuations for ego or pedantic decisions. Maybe the Mexican referee who oversaw Germany-Australia could do worse than to watch this. No cautions, good authority without the ego.
Spain-Holland it is then.. The romantic final of the chokers is finally here. As for Germany, they face an already overachieving Uruguay, who will welcome back Luis Suarez and welcome the chance to catch Germany while they are on a downer.
One person for who the game will not end is the oxygen thief in the superman tee and the vuvuzela who invaded the pitch after 18".
GP
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