World Cup Finals Sunday!
Spain to face Netherlands after defeating German powerhouse.
In possibly the most anticipated match of the whole World Cup so far, it was ironic to see Spain and Germany, both two incredibly potent teams, have trouble scoring during Wednesday’s game.
All throughout the first half and into the second, both sides would make runs, but it would seem as if they would fall apart at the last second, ruining any chance at a goal.
With every tick of the clock suspense built, while the weight on the shoulders of each player on Moses Modhida Field in Durban, South Africa, elevated. However, there are only a limited number of chances that one can give a team before that team capitalizes. For Spain, the chance came in the 73rd minute on a corner kick by Xavi Hernandez.
Hernandez managed to beautifully control and curl the ball towards the middle of the field where Carles Puyol took over. With his perm-like curls flying, Puyol ran 15 feet toward the flight of the ball, stuck out his neck, and made solid contact. The header zipped past German goalie Manuel Neuer, and provided the Spanish—or as they are playfully called, “El Rojos—with the only goal they would need. After three minutes of added time, it was all smiles and celebration for the entire country.
Now in its first World Cup final, Spain will take on the Netherlands Sunday in the championship match. Known as the Oranje for their brightly colored jerseys, the Dutch call their style of play “total football.” Every player is trained to take on any position, often switching roles at a moment’s notice.
The Dutch have been one of the world’s most entertaining teams to ever take the field, but have not made it to a World Cup final in 32 years. That legacy ends on Sunday when the Oranje will meet up with Spain, a country that prides itself on its abilities to play a beautiful game of futbol. Today, Spain played it a bit more beautifully than most.
Get ready, America. Are you ready for some “Total Football?”
PHOTO: Spain's defender Carles Puyol (C) makes a header and scores during the 2010 World Cup semi final Germany vs Spain on July 7, 2010 at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban. (Photo: GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)
Comments