Barcelona defender Carles Puyol's powerful header lift European champions Spain to its first-ever FIFA World Cup final here Wednesday, beating Germany 1-0 in the semis.
"We deserve this but we want more," said Spain striker David Villa, who is tied with Netherlands playmaker Wesley Sneijder for the tournament scoring lead with five goals each. "We are happy to be in the final, that was our objective, but now we want to be champions."
Spain's Carles Puyol (C) celebrates his goal with Sergio Ramos (L), David Villa (L2), Xabi Alonso (R2) and Gerard Pique during the 2010 World Cup semi-final match against Germany in Durban, South Africa, July 7, 2010. Spain won 1-0.
"We've shown that in the big moments we can grow even more," Villa said. "We should have scored more goals, but one from Puyol has put us in the final."
Andres Iniesta's dribble earned a corner for Spain and onrushing Puyol jumped high to hammer Xavi's cross into the net in the 73rd minute.
In previous World Cup finals, Spain's best result was the fourth finisher in 1950.
In the final in Johannesburg on July 11, Spain will meet the Netherlands, who beat Uruguay 3-2 on Tuesday.
"From defence through to attack I think we played a great game," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. "We've got another game in front of us, let's see if we are able to control the ball. We're in good shape physically, so let's see if we can win."
Germany, who whitewashed Argentina 4-0 in the quarterfinal, have to vie for the third place with Uruguay in Port Elizabeth on July 10.
The last encounter between Spain and Germany was in the Euro 2008 final. Spain won 1-0 thanks to a Fernando Torres strike. But Torres, who has not scored a single goal so far in the World Cup, sat on the bench in the first half. Barcelona forward Pedro replaced him as the starter.
Spain almost controlled the match, boasting 13 shots against Germany's five. The game was much like the repeat of the Euro 2008 final, witnessing Spain's dazzling short passes, crosses, dribblings and through balls.
"In the last two or three years they have been one of the best and most united teams," Germany coach Joachim Loew said. "They circulate the ball well and we couldn't play the way we like to play."
"Our defense is hard to stop them," admitted Loew.
"It was very difficult tonight," said Germany skipper Philipp Lahm. "We knew Spain were a favourite to win the tournament. Spain is a very strong team."
Germany sorely missed suspended winger Thomas Mueller, who had scored four goals so far and was often able to outsprint opponents.
Germany played more cautiously tonight than the Argentina game. Their defense was tough and made little mistakes. Otherwise, the score would not be 1-0.
Spain defender Sergio Ramos made a very ambitious shot in the 18th minute when he found himself isolated out on the right but the ball sailed high and wide.
Pedro attempted an acrobatic effort from an Iniesta cross in the 24th minute but the ball was a bit slow in arriving though and he had to make a hash of his volley.
The first shot from Germany came in the 31st minute when midfielder Piotr Trochowski's low drive was tipped behind by Spain skipper Iker Casillas.
Spain geared up after the interval, laying siege to the German goal.
The 48th minute saw an excellent play from Pedro who beat German defenders Jerome Boateng and Arne Friedrich on the right before pulling back to Xabi Alonso. Unfortunately, the Real Madrid midfielder dragged his shot a bit wide.
After one minute, Xavi's lay off found Alonso whose crisp shot went a bit wide again.
Loew fielded Hamburger SV defender Marcell Jansen to replace Boateng in a bid to fortify the left side defence on 52 minutes.
However, the 57th minute witnessed a brilliant chance for Spain. German keeper Manuel Neuer denied Pedro with a superb save. But Spain came again with Iniesta, exchanging passes with Alonso before firing the ball across the German goal. Villa streched but was an inch from making it.
German substitute Toni Kroos squandered a scoring chance in the 68th minute when a cross from a neat exchange of passes between Ozil and Podolski sat up perfectly for the unmarked Kroos in the box. But the Bayer Leverkusen young talent's volley was denied by Casillas.
Spain pleased the fans with their amazing play of football and it was only a matter of time before they got the goal their slick possession football deserved.
Spain's Carles Puyol (top R) scores a goal during the 2010 World Cup semi-final match against Germany in Durban, South Africa, July 7, 2010. Spain won 1-0.