Making a 2010 World Cup bet on Spain was profitable in the semifinals as they defeated Germany 1-0.
Before the World Cup began, Spain was the overall favorite in World Cup betting and they are living up to that expectation as they have reached the final for the first time in their history. They will meet the Netherlands on Sunday for the World Cup title.
Spain got a goal from Carles Puyol in the second half as they defeated Germany 1-0. Spain was a deserving winner as they outplayed Germany for almost all the semifinal match. The 1-0 final was a repeat of what happened two years ago in Euro 2008 when Spain defeated Germany. With Spain reaching the World Cup final, the winner on Sunday will become a first-time champion. It will be the first final since 1978 where two teams that have never won a World Cup title will be meeting in the final.
Spain actually lost their first match in this year’s World Cup to Switzerland but they have not been beaten since. They are the first team since Italy in 1994 to lose their first match and then reach the World Cup final. They can make history as no team has ever won the World Cup after losing their opener. This has been a very competitive World Cup and the semifinals between Spain and Germany was no exception. It was the 29th game in the World Cup decided by a single goal and that is the most in World Cup history.
Spain was very impressive in the win over Germany as they controlled play throughout. Germany had only a couple of good scoring chances and the one serious threat was stopped by Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Spain put pressure on the Germans and it seemed inevitable that they would eventually score and Puyol did. In the 73rd minute it was Xavi sending a corner kick into the middle and Puyol raced in and put a powerful header past Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Spain had some chances to add to that lead late in the game but the single goal was enough. Germany rarely threatened in the last 15 minutes even though they were pressing for the tying goal.