World Cup daily: Thursday 8 July

Published on Thursday 8 July 2010 10:46

Germany coach Joachim Low is backing Spain to win the World Cup after the European champions dumped his side out of the tournament, while midfield playmaker Xavi is determined to enjoy Sunday's match against the Netherlands.

Picture of the Day: Germany fans in Cologne football can barely watch the closing minutes of their side's semi-final defeat at the hands of Spain. Picture: Getty

Today's news

• Low backs Spain in final

Spain will be crowned world champions for the first time in their history on Sunday, according to German coach Joachim Low.

Low watched his side beaten 1-0 in the second semi-final by a powerful second-half header from Spain defender Carles Puyol to set up a World Cup final between Spain and Holland, the great underachievers of world football.

Low then predicted: "I am confident they will win the title.

"Spain are a wonderful team. They are the masters of the game. You can see it in every pass. They can hardly be beaten. They are extremely calm and convincing. Spain were just better than we were and they deserved to win.

• Xavi will savour final

Spain's midfield maestro Xavi is determined to enjoy the World Cup final.

Xavi and his team-mates have already been installed as favourites. But the Barcelona star is keen to relieve the pressure and make sure Spain make the most of their first date at world football's most prestigious gathering.

"Let's enjoy the final," said Xavi. "We dedicate this victory to Spain. If we play on Sunday like we did today, we will have a great chance."

Yesterday's match report

Germany 0 - 1 Spain

Del Bosque's men oust Germans to reach World Cup showpiece

CARLES Puyol powered Spain into their first World Cup final with a thunderous second-half header to beat Germany. The Euro 2008 winners dominated possession in Durban but initially struggled to create clear openings against Joachim Low's impressive young side.

Read more

From today's Scotsman

• Hero Carles Puyol ensures new name on World Cup

• Soccer City victory would just be picture perfect for Van Persie

• Gallas blames Domenech for France's World Cup flop

• Forlan eager to feature in play-off

• Ball in Maradona's court over future

• Serbia coach gets four-game ban

Fact of the Day

Spain keeper Iker Casillas was so young when he broke into the first team at Real Madrid that he had to use public transport to get to training sessions because he was too young to hold a driver's license.

Yesterday's fact of the day concerned the surreal moment when Bastian Schweinsteiger's TV interview after the Euro 2008 final was interrupted by the entire Spanish team dancing the conga around him. Well, now you can watch the video, here. It is unconfirmed whether Spain had the audacity to repeat their antics last night.

For news, reports and video from South Africa, visit scotsman.com/worldcup2010

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