Spaniards “Pass” their way through Germans and onto Finals in a clean game

Spain – The team of “one thousand passes”, passed their way nicely through the stoic German defense and onto the finals for the first time.

Spain with Torres rested, dominated the game from the beginning – at one point having as much as 70% possession. They held the ball and moved it all around until the box area. There they had to contend with the German “wall”. Seemed like Germany had planned to defend more than attack. They allowed the Spanish team to move the ball freely up to the box and executed very less offensive runs – in fact Only one run in the first half.

Spain had multiple shots at the goal, but they were poorly executed – Alonso had 3 shots that went away from the goal post in varying degrees. A wonderful header by Puyol went over the crossbar while a sliding attempt earlier by Villa was stopped by the Goal keeper few feet ahead of the goal post. On the other hand, Germany made only one attempt which was more accurate and saved by a Whisker. First half ended with no goals for either team.

Spain dominated the 2nd half in similar fashion, but brought the ball to the goal post more frequently. Finally in the 73rd Puyol rose above ordinary to head a wonderful goal from a corner shot. Great aim, Great Finish. The German team suddenly woke up and changed their play from defense to attack, taking more possession and moving bravely into the Spain area – as if they had nothing to lose. This was what was missing in the first half and the earlier part of the 2nd one.

Torres coming as substitute, missed a wonderful chance at opening his account, when Pedro failed to pass to him in front of the goal post with only the Goalie to cover. The final few minutes saw some aggressive and good attempts by Germany, but all ended well for the Spanish team to ensure their first foray into the Finals!

Appreciation for both the teams for a clean and entertaining game of football (No Yellow cards from either side). Gives hope for clean football after seeing the likes of Chile, Ivory coast and even Netherlands to an extent , going more for the foot than the ball.

If Spain learns a thing or two from Germans on shot accuracy, they should have no problem in getting a score of 5-x in the finals.

Paul was correct once again.