Spain Beat Germany, Face Netherlands in World Cup Final

From the opening whistle, Spain relentlessly attacked Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer it was almost unbelievable that he was still standing after the first half of their World Cup semifinal match. Then, with a hard flick of Carles Puyol‘s head, his curly locks hitting his face, the inevitable finally happened–Spain scoring the basket that would bring them to their first-ever World Cup final.

Spain, who were in their first semifinal appearance, had been unsuccessful in four previous shot at goal–two each from David Villa and Pedro–when Puyol, with an assist from Xavi, headed home the winner in the 73rd minute. Puyol’s goal resonated from Durban Stadium to Spain, where euphoric fans partied until the wee hours on Wednesday.

The match was almost a replica of the 2008 European Championship final, which Spain won over Germany on a similar score. On Sunday, European champions Spain will have a chance to conquer the world against the Netherlands, who, like La Roja, are also looking for their first World Cup title.

Villa, who, along with Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder, leads the World Cup with five goals, said Spain is ready to make more history. “This is one of the greatest moments for Spain, for us to be in the final of the World Cup, it’s history…And we want to make more history in the final.”