Spain and Netherlands Face Off for World Cup Bragging Rights
For the first time ever, Spain will play for the World Cup title
and face the Netherlands, after their relentless team beat an aggressive Germany team, 1-0.
Spain's Carles Puyol was the lone scorer and with a head shot, sent the team to the championship game against the team that they have been evenly matched with in their history.
"We've shown that in the big moments we can grow even more," striker David Villa told the Associated Press after Spain's 1-0 semifinal victory over Germany on Wednesday night. "We should have scored more goals, but one from Puyol has put us in the final."
Despite Puyol's goal on a powerful header in the second half, the game was similar to the 2008 European Championship final when Spain beat Germany to win its first major title in 44 years. The score back then was also 1-0.
"This is one of the greatest moments for Spain, for us to be in the final of the World Cup, it's history," Villa, who is tied for tournament scoring leader, told the AP, "And we want to make more history in the final."
The final game will be played on Sunday at Soccer City in Johannesburg, ensuring a first-time champion. The Dutch, who beat Uruguay 3-2 on Tuesday night, have lost in their only two trips to the final.
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