Spain Beats Germany, Will Play Holland in Finals

The all-knowing octopus got it right again: Spain rediscovered its flair in a 1-0 victory over Germany today that put it into the World Cup final. Spain's midfield controlled the game from the start through trademark slick passing and quick touches before Carles Puyol's 73rd-minute header broke the tie. Spain will play the Netherlands on Sunday, when one of the teams will win its first World Cup title.

"We started in the tournament poorly and we've been faced with nothing but finals ever since," defender Joan Capdevila said, referring to an early surprise loss to Switzerland followed by a string of must-win games. "And here we are—in the final." (More 2010 World Cup stories.)