Spain vs. Germany (1-0)

The second World Cup semi-final between European powerhouses Spain and Germany promised to be a rematch of the 2008 European Cup final in which the Spanish won 1-0 thanks to a Fernando Torres goal. However, things have changed since this match: Torres, once the destructive force up front, has been a disappointment in this tournament as he has struggled to recover from his ankle surgery and find the form that enabled him to be Europe's top striker. La Furia Roja's performances in this World Cup have also proved to be quite disappointing as they have managed to sneak past by many teams with their slightly efficient but dismal passing game. Germany, on the other hand, has been the team of the tournament, boasting of a squad of young blood and the old guard that managed a third placed finish at the 2006 World Cup. The German side has swept aside its opponents, especially bitter and old rivals England and Argentina on route to the final. Their performances have been impressive as they swept aside the aforementioned teams by a aggregate of 8-1 in two games. Normally, most pundits would name Germany as the favorite going into this match. Germany had a slight problem: talisman midfielder Thomas Muller was suspended for this match as he picked up a red in his last. This situation would prove to be troubling for the Germans.

The first half was dominated by the Spaniards as they played their normal passing  game and made their opponents look below par. The Germans looked uninspiring without Muller, often failing to piece a significant offence. Luckily for the Germans, The Spanish were not taking advantage of the situation as they failed to convert their dominance into goals. At the end of the second half, it looked like an even match. However, after the second half began, Spain looked like the livelier side, often pushing forward and opening up the German defense. The Germans tried to counter, but they were unimaginative and failed to mount a significant attack. Finally, in the 76' minute, Carlos Puyol scored a great header for the Spaniards to take a well deserved lead. This goal opened up the game, as the Germans had to push offensively to find an equalizer. As the Germans pushed, the Spanish held on and counter attacked. They almost got a second goal, if it not had been for the selfishness of midfielder Pedro, who squandered a chance to score a second. Spain eventually held on and secured for themselves a place in the final, their first time ever. They will meet the Netherlands in Soccer City on Sunday, where both nations will battle to see who will win it for their nation for the very first time in their soccer histories.