Germans of the Day: Spain
When the flamboyant German team met the clinical Spaniards in the second semi-final, to set a date with Holland, it was John Woo’s Face/Off revisted.
Traditionally, Germany has been known for its descipline, for its clinical nature to shut out opponents, for its efficiency. On the other hand, Spain has been the perennial under-achiever, who despite playing beautiful football on occasions, had failed to win or even to reach the World Cup finals.
When they met this time, the roles had reversed – Spaniards were the new Germans. A flair-team went out of the competition, however this time it was Germany!
“Déjà vu” Result Of The Day: Spain 1-0 Germany
The result of the match is like a Déjà vu all over again – Spain winning by a solitary goal brought back memories of the EURO Final two years ago.
Spanish Armada marching on to the finals
Player Of The Day: Andres Iniesta (Spain)
Iniesta had a monumental impact on the match. His intelligent off-the-ball movement and delicious one-touch passing dictated the game for Spain. He almost set up the opener with an excellent pass across the goal-line – sadly, David Villa was unable to tap in from just four yards out.
Goal of the Day: Carles Puyol (Spain)
Obvious, isn’t it? This was the solitary goal of day. Xavi floated in a corner from the left; the determination of Puyol saw him jump the hightest highest to send the ball inside Neuer’s left post, with a flying header. Ideal candidate for “Red Bull” brand-ambassador – Gives You Wings.
Clinical finish: Carles Puyol
Save Of The Day: Iker Casillas (Spain)
Toni Kroos had a great chance to become the German hero, just after his introduction to the pitch. With just 20 minutes to go for the final whistle, Kroos saw his brilliant right-footed shot palmed away by an equally brilliant Iker Casillas.
Flying Spaniard: Another candidate for “Red Bull”
“Klose S(h)ave” Moment Of The Day
Iker Casillas mistimed his jump to punch out a German corner and could get only a touch on the ball to deflect it away from awaiting Germany strikers. However the ball fell for Klose – but his attempt went out just wide of the goal. Klose s(h)ave for both Casillas and Spain.
So “Klose” : Can he get past Ronaldo’s 15?
A tribute to Germany’s young heroes
Thank you for making South Africa’10 a World Cup to remember. If nothing else, this tounament would always be remembered as one which saw a band of unfancied yound men conquer their more illustrious opponents. So what if you failed to win another world cup for your country, you have won many-a-million hearts.
We, at THT, salute the German romantics.