For the first time in their history, Spain has reached the World Cup Final. They defeated Germany by a score of 1-0, and they will face the Netherlands on Sunday, June 11, at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.
This semi-final had all the makings of a final. Spain were the pre-tournament favorites to win it all, but the team’s performances had been sub-par, leaving many doubting that they had the mettle to win the whole thing. Germany came into the tournament with a very young squad that was largely unproven.
Their performances to reach the semis, however, left many thinking that Germany was going to win it all. They dismantled both England and Argentina to get here, putting up four goals in each contest.
The first half of the semi-final was very lackluster, as neither side wanted to make the crucial mistake that could decide the game. Germany had only one shot attempt in the first half, yet they were more impressive in attack in the final ten minutes of the first. Spain had a couple shots on target, but neither challenged Schalke keeper Manny Neur.
The second half started out very similar to first, but the tempo picked up in the 60th minute on both ends. Germany’s forward Miroslav Klose and midfielder Toni Kroos had a few good chances, but neither was able to open up the scoring.
Finally, in the 73rd minute, Spanish captain Carlos Puyol scored on a header. The Barcelona defender was one of the least likely to score on the pitch, but the captain stepped up for his biggest goal ever.
In the final 20 minutes, Spain looked more likely to score again than Germany. The Spanish defense was able to stay compact and did not allow a chance for a German equalizer.
And for the first time since 1978, the Netherlands has reached the World Cup final. The Dutch defeated Uruguay 3-2 in one semi-final to get to the final game in Johannesburg.
Thanks to a 40-yard screamer from left back Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, the Netherlands opened the scoring about midway through the first half. The defender could hardly believe it himself, scoring one of the finest strikes of World Cup 2010.
The Dutch looked in complete control until the 41st minute, when Uruguayan star forward Diego Forlan connected on a free kick just outside the Netherland’s penalty box, evening things up right at halftime.
Uruguay did a nice job of containing the potent Dutch offense for much of the second half, but finally conceded in the 70th minute. The second half’s first goal came in controversial circumstances, as it appeared an offside could have been called against the Netherlands.
Welsey Sneijder found the net with a left-footed shot on the edge of the penalty box. It appeared the strike might have deflected off of Robin Van Persie who was offside, but further replay showed it was a proper non-call.
Just a few minutes later in the 73rd, the Dutch struck again. Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt found space on the left flank, and his cross was met by winger Arjen Robben. The Dutch players could sense the final, they just had to protect their net in the last 20 minutes of the contest.
Uruguay stopped Dutch hearts for a moment, as Uruguayan midfielder Alvaro Pereira scored in stoppage time to make the game 3-2. It was only for a moment, though, as the sound of the officials whistle two minutes later signified victory for the Netherlands.
