Superior Spain edge Germany to set up a World Cup final with Holland

The hype ahead of the Germany-Spain semi-final was fanned with both Adidas and Nike releasing virals on the matchday. On the more tactical side German pundit Rafa Honigstein gave his pre-match thoughts, while Spanish TV released a brilliant battle of the number 8s video: Xavi v Mesut Ozil.
Germany 0 – Spain 1 (World Cup semi-final, July 7, 2010) (Longer Highlights.) The start of the match was interrupted by the first pitch invader of the World Cup with the offender running on the turf with his vuvuzela in hand before being quickly apprehended. In the action David Villa forced Neuer into a tidy save after six minutes and the European Champions again came close to scoring when Carles Puyol planted a header over the bar. At the other end Piotr Trochowski forced Casillas into a save as Germany attacked and Mesut Ozil had a tame penalty shout under a challenge from Sergio Ramos. First half highlights here. Spain started the second half brightly, Xabi Alonso flashing a shot past the post. The Spanish continued to press and Andres Iniesta fired a dangerous cross across the face of the goal. Still Spain pressed, Sergio Ramos falling under a Podolski challenge but no penalty was called. Toni Kroos blew Germany’s best chance as Iker Casillas got down low to save at his near post, and minutes later Spain broke the deadlock when Xavi’s corner was superbly converted by a monster header from Carles Puyol.

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