World Cup Day 23 Roundup: Spain Keeps Germany on Its Heels, Sets Up Final vs. Holland

Spain held a slight advantage over Germany in possession, 51 percent to 49 percent, and Spain held a slight advantage in corner kicks, seven to six, but don’t let the numbers fool you — La Furia Roja outplayed the Germans, and it was only one Xavi corner kick, headed into the back of the net by defender Carlos Puyol, that made all of the difference.

For the first time in its exceptionally underachieving history, Spain is going to the World Cup finals. It will face fellow underachievers Holland, and by Sunday evening, an eighth different country will have been able to call themselves world champions.

For only a couple of stretches, toward the end of the first half and in the middle of the second 45, did the Germans ever really appear to be a threat to score. Otherwise, they were content to sit back on defense and let Spain’s midfielders come at them.

While it took 73 minutes, Germany’s luck eventually ran out. Xavi sent a corner kick about 10 yards out from goal, and defender Puyol, a known aerial expert, headed the ball past German keeper Manuel Neuer. That was the only goal that they would need.

The German strategy of counter-attacking seemed stifled by the suspension of Thomas Muller, who had previously combined with Mesut Ozil to fluidly advance the ball up the wings after opponents’ turnovers. While Ozil was able to cause Spain a few problems, including winning what should have been a penalty kick at the end of the first half, the Spaniards were able to key on his presence.

As a result, Miroslav Klose was unable to impact the game. Still, he will have an opportunity to match or break Ronaldo‘s record 15 World Cup goals in the third-place game against Uruguay on Saturday.

Both Xavi and Andres Iniesta were masterful in possession, as was Pedro, the player replacing Fernando Torres in the starting lineup for Spain.

Despite the missed penalty call (and a few other potential would be penalties in the other direction), the referees actually managed to make few mistakes, making their entire way through the game without awarding a single card.

For the Germans, this game brings a familiar heartbreak, as they fell victim to Spain 1-0 just two years ago in the EuroCup finals.

Sunday’s matchup will feature what are perhaps the two most skillful and complete teams in the tournament, but if Spain wins the match, the tournament’s only undefeated side will be the “All Whites” of New Zealand.