Spain tame Germany 1-0, book WCup final berth

STAFF WRITER 2:24 HRS IST

Durban, July 7 (PTI) Spain today scripted history by qualifying for their maiden World Cup final since their first appearance 76 years ago with a 1-0 victory over three-time champions Germany to set up a summit clash against the Netherlands here today.

Central defender Carles Puyol scored the winner in the 73rd minute, heading home a corner in an absorbing semifinal which though lacked the spark in terms of goals and scoring chances, at the Mabhida Moses Stadium.

Spain's best show in a World Cup before today had been a fourth-place finish in 1950 but at that time the champion team was decided after a final round league format.

Vicente Del Bosque's 'La Furia Roja' side will now take on the Netherlands at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on July 11 in the grand finale which will saw a new World Cup winner being crowned.

Spaniards set up title clash with Dutch

Spaniards set up title clash with Dutch

DURBAN, July 7: Spain needed a 73rd minute goal from defender Carles Puyol to edge past Germany 1-0 in Durban on Wednesday and set up a World Cup final against Netherlands.

Puyol climbed above the defence to head the winner from a Xavi corner and send Spain to their first World Cup final. The Spaniards dominated most of the match but struggled to finish off a German side that was lacking their usual pace.

European champions Spain dominated possession early on and needed only five minutes to carve out their first chance against a nervous German defence.

Spain forward Pedro, who started ahead of the misfiring Fernando Torres, played the ball for David Villa, who caught Arne Friedrich napping but could not beat keeper Manuel Neuer.

Clarke and Waqar salute ‘amazing’ Murali

Clarke and Waqar salute ‘amazing’ Murali

BIRMINGHAM, July 7: Australia’s Michael Clarke paid tribute to Muttiah Muralitharan after the prolific bowler announced his intention to retire from Test cricket, saying the Sri Lanka off-spinner was an ‘amazing player’.

A Sri Lanka Cricket statement issued on Tuesday said the 38-year-old had decided to quit Tests after the home series opener against India in Galle starting on July 18.

Muralitharan is the most successful bowler in international cricket history with record hauls in both Tests (792 wickets) and one-day formats (515).

Clarke joked Muralitharan’s decision was a reflection of the bowler’s belief in his ability to take the eight Tests wickets he needed for 800 in a single match.

“How many wickets has he got? 792. He’s confident then, one more Test. I think he is an amazing player,” Australia’s Twenty20 captain added.

“Over a long period of time, statistics don’t lie,” the top-order batsman insisted. “I think a lot of batters around the world will be very happy they don’t have to face him anymore.

“I guess on behalf of all Australia cricketers, and all Australian fans who’ve had the opportunity to watch him, congratulations are well and truly deserved. He’s been an amazing ambassador for Sri Lankan cricket and what a talent, what a career. I really hope he gets those eight wickets.”