FIFA World Cup 2010; Spanish Fans Ecstatic
In a gripping semi-final played in front of boisterous soccer fans, Spain made history as they reached the final of the World Cup for the first time in their rich football history to set up a date with another team that is yet to win the World Cup the Netherlands.
Although the Netherlands have twice been finalists (1974 and 1978) they are yet to win a trophy, and 1.6 million people wait to see if their team can make it third time lucky.
The second semi-final was however all about “Espana” as the Spanish team held their one goal advantage achieved in the second half till the final whistle to knock out the three time champions who had looked in sublime touch in their last two encounter knocking out two former champions England and Argentina with score-line of 4-1 and 4-0 respectively.
The Germans had feared for the worst when their trusted ally Paul the Octopus left them high and dry, predicting that the Germans would be losing to Spain and another prediction by Paul came true giving him an unblemished record in the tournament.
On the pitch the Spanish team was clearly the one which deserved its win as they displayed greater ability of sustaining the pressure and showed more attacking intentions then their rivals.
The win was secured by a bullet like header by central Barca defender Carles Puyol’s in the 73rd minute of the match via a corner.
However the win was based on a magnificent Spanish performance which underlined their status as the best team from Europe.
As soon as the match ended joy prevailed in entire Spain, with thousands of fans pouring onto the streets in capital Madrid.
The die-hard fans were celebrating their team’s remarkable win against a team that had scored the most goals in the tournament with its young outfit oozing with confidence.
Spanish fans dressed in team jerseys filled the streets around Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
They were carrying flags, blowing horns and dancing from the outset of the match yet the real party at the venue unravelled as soon as the match ended with fans going crazy at their team’s remarkable achievement.
Some of the fans saluted the brilliant display especially in the second half of the match and the feeling in the camp was summed up by a screaming fan who claimed he knew that his team was ready to deliver something special.
"The premonition said that we were going to score a goal. I felt that we were going to do something good and when we won the European Cup, six months after that, I brought the ticket for the World Cup, a year ago, knowing that something good was going to happen".
Another fan added that the result was no surprise as Spain, being the champions of Europe were favourites to win the World Cup and lady luck was smiling at them as they had put in an outstanding effort in the entire tournament, after losing their first match against Switzerland.
On the other hand the German fans who were in Durban to witness the match claimed that they were satisfied with their team’s effort in the World Cup, as their young team had defied expectations.
"The only thing that counts is the spirit of the World Cup. I am very proud that the team showed fantastic spirit in all the matches. It must be admitted that today the Spanish were simply better".
The final slated to be played on 11th July at the soccer city stadium in Johannesburg is set to crown a new champion, as neither of the two European finalists have yet won a World Cup.
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