A tale of two halves

Well I'm hoping it's going to be.

The first half of the second semi-final of the World Cup has just finished. There's only been one incident of note and that involved Ozil being challenged as he entered the Spanish penalty area and he went to ground. This took place in the last minute of the half and the referee, who was only 12 yards behind play when the incident occurred, waved away the claims.

So let's hope for a better half ...

We're now 7 minutes in and Germany have made a defensive change to try and counter the attacks by Xabi Alonso who has had two long range shots, the second of which has whizzed past the right hand post of the German goal.

The Spanish seem to be putting more pressure on the German defence and I've switched to the commentary by Chris Moyles and Comedy Dave of Radio One. It's making the game more interesting. Villa has just followed up by trying to pass the ball into the goal, but it bypassed the post. This was quickly followed by and backheeled pass creating a chance for a low cross only 3 yards out but was missed by Villa. The latest action was Ramos missing a low pass into the German goal area. Germany are struggling with 25 minutes to play.

Fantastic save by Casillas from a volley by Kroos after a cross from the left. I'm not sure this one will finish 0-0! And more excitement, Moyles pizza has arrived :-)

At last the deadlock is broken. A corner from the left saw a group of players rise and Carles Puyol headed the ball past Manuel Neuer. Germany try to strike back almost immediately but a long high free kick was gathered by Casillas. Things have livened up dramatically. Let's hope it stays that way for the last 11 minutes.

I lost a post there but David Villa has been replaced by Fernando Torres for the last 9 minutes to run at the German defence. Villa has just tired after a long run into the German penalty area. Pedro made things worse by losing possession after having a 2 on 1 situation with Torres standing with an open goal at his mercy. Germany now have a free kick inside the Spanish penalty arc but waste it.

The Germans are now leaving gaps at the back as they press for the equaliser but Torres has just been tackled to concede a corner. Spain scored from their previous one but this one and the next are played short and no progress made.

The board's gone up for added time and Germany have 3 minutes to draw level. In added time on top of the added time and Germany still can't find a way through ... it's all over - Spain win 1-0.

Netherlands vs Spain on Sunday ... will Howard Webb be in with a shout of that one???