World Cup Game #62

This was the second semi-final and and I was sure that we were due a dud, boring game - and we didn't get it yet again. Instead, Spain finally hit their straps and largely dominated Germany, at least in the attacking third of the field, any way. Both teams started brightly and created chances early but eventually it was obvious that Germany had decided not to crowd Spain when Spain had possession, opting instead to defend in depth. This meant that the much-vaunted Spanish passing game finally got going and wonderful it was to see, almost mesmeric at times. Neither team scored in the first half although the Spanish attack looked so much better with Pedro making his first start with the ever-lethargic Torres on the bench this time.

Eventually the breakthrough came from a thundering header, courtesy of Puyol, off an in-swinging corner. The Germans thrashed away at the Spanish defence and came very close to scoring but never quite nailed it. The Germans, with the ghost of 2008 clearly burdening them, looked well beaten with minutes to go and that's how it finished, 1-0 to Spain.

I really was surprised by this result - in fact I though Germany might well have scored another 4 but they let the Spanish play their own game and lost as a result.

World Cup - Summary of Quarter-/Semi-final round

Greatest relief: Only one game of the six was decided on penalties and even that game was still a good game
Most surprising result: Argentina losing by 4 goals and, despite that margin, they didn't play that badly!
Continuing relief: no major injuries to anyone, let alone any of the big names
Saddest sight: Messi trudging off after the defeat to Germany - not only was his team out but his own performance had been poor by his standards
Player living up to his reputation: Arjen Robben has tormented every defence he has played against and he is still only at about 90%, I think - certainly, his straight-line speed is still reduced from its peak
Goal of the round: A tie between van Bronckhorst and Forlan, ironically in the same game and within half an hour of each other
Inescapable fact: no matter who wins the Final, it will be a new team carrying off the trophy for the first time since France did in 1998