22.24

Not sure where this leaves us with the golden boot. By my reckoning Mueller, Sneijder, Forlan and Villa are all tied on 5 goals. I believe it’s decided by who has the most assists, though I haven’t got a clue who that is. May well be the young German lad.

22.03

This is controversial and then some!! Dutch reckon in the build up to the goal not only should they have had a corner but also a free kick for a foul on Elia. Not sure I agree with the second part but there is no argument that the award of a goal kick was a mistake. Would have been immaterial if the Dutch defence had been awake. Not the last we’ll hear of this, no siree…..

22.26

Just remains to be said: Bravo Espana!

Thanks for tuning in, its been a pleasure! Adios amigos!

22.25

And that my friends was the first ever African World Cup. Shame that the African sides fell by the wayside, shame that the English didn’t really turn up but who really cares after that feast of football?

Now to endure the four year wilderness until Brazil 2014. I’m almost missing the vuvuzelas already.

22.23

Not much needs to be added really. Spain were simply the best team at the tournament. Slow starters maybe, but they move the ball better than any other team. The Dutch were good, the Germans were good, Argentina shone at times, but none had the quality that the Spanish possessed.

22.21

Can anyone find me a cheap flight to Spain? Madrid and Barcelona will be bouncing for a good year or so after this…..

22.20

Lots of tickertape, lots of dancing and a new team of champions! Even Pepe Reina has his hands on the trophy, which is more times than he’s touched a world cup football!

22.18

And now its time for the culmination of four years of dreams and two years of qualifying as Spain go up to collect their spoils. Casillas is primed and ready to raise the trophy and after the tournament he’s had, conceding only once in 6 matches, he 100% deserves it!

22.16

According to the commentray team that’s the first competitive international that Bert Van Marwijk has lost. Unfortunate for him but he’s done a stellar job with the Dutch

22.14

Not sure why they make losing players do this. Its a bit like rubbing salt in the wounds. They’re up to collect their loser’s medals though. Becoming a Dutch tradition is this.

22.13

First up to receive their mementos are our very own refereeing team. Very busy game for them, but handled it very well in my humble opinion. Dutch won’t agree of course

22.12

And there’s our first glimpse of the trophy. Looks too shiny to me; its probably a replica.

22.11

It wasn’t a classic but does it really matter? Spain have already got the star embroidered onto their shirts. That was quick!!

22.09

To add to their c.v Spain are also the first European team to win outside Europe. Great scenes on the pitch as Del Bosque is tossed into the air by his players. Probably not safe for a man his age!

22.08

The Dutch, especially Sneijder are furious with Howard Webb over the goal but they’re clutching at straws! They are runners up for the 3rd time in their history and without a doubt the most unlucky team in finals history.

22.06

Its all over! Iniesta roars with delight and Casillas breaks down into tears. They’re the two men who really ensured this victory! Spain are absolutely over the moon, this is there ‘66 and it makes them joint European and World Champions.

22.04

Fulltime Spain 1: Holland 0

SPAIN ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS 2010

22.04

22.01

And it was Iniesta who got it. The Dutch were appealing for offside, but he was nowhere near and he drilled it home from about 10 yards out. The Crown Prince of Spain is jubilant in the crowd. The 20 or so Spanish in Wentworth are on their feet . The Dutch are very, very quiet, its heartbreaking for them

22.00

Didn’t I tell you it would be the Dutch!! What the hell do I know??!!?? That is the goal that looks certain to win Spain their first ever World Cup! There’s a mob of Spanish players celebrating in euphoria in the corner, a dutch player’s been booked for dissent, its all happening!!!

21.58

goooooaaaallll Spain!!!!!!!!

21.58

21.58

correction: hits a Spanish player and should therefore have been a corner. Will be controversial to say the least if the Spanish get anything from this….

21.57

Sneijder tries the now commonplace attempt to score with a 40 yard freekick. Hits a Dutch player in the wall, but ther’e howls of derisions as Webb gives a goal kick.

21.54

Very heated out there now. Spanish react badly as Robben slots the ball home cheekily from a blatantly offside position. At least he’s doing something, unlike Van Persie, who has been invisible for a good 115 minutes now.

21.52

Even more cards. This time its Van der Wiel in the book. Some here thought that was his second. Its not, its his first. No Graham Poll-esque mistakes from Howard Webb

21.50

Whoah!! Now its interesting! Told you all those yellow cards meant only one thing. And its Jonny Heitiga who’s the ‘unlucky’ man. Clips Iniesta as the Spaniard goes past him. Possible dive by the little midfielder but it won’t make any difference. Its 11 v 10 for about 14 minutes.

21.48

Controversial one, and the Spanish fans don’t like it, Torres is on, but he’s on for David Villa! Villa will not be able to take a penalty if it comes to it!

21.42

Half Time In Extra Time

21.42

Think its Braafheid on for Gio VB. I’ll double check that one

21.41

Could be the last we see of Gio Van Bronckhorst on a football pitch. He may retire post World Cup but captaining your country in the final is someway to bow out. Might just get to lift the trophy yet…

21.40

Wonderful bit of play from Cesc Fabregas. The Arsenal man picks it up in the middle of the park and dribbles half the length of the pitch. Shot drifts wide though. Would have been one of the best world cup final goals of all time had he found the finish.

21.37

Even I was nearly on my feet for that one. The laptops ended up on the floor at any rate! Someone, I think its Jesus Navas, has just drilled a shot into the side netting. From this angle it appeared to be in but on closer inspection it wasn’t.

21.35

ANOTHER one-on-one and ANOTHER save. This time its Iniesta who hits it directly into Stekelenburg’s midriff. Had to be…and it has to go in at some point it really really does. Dutch immediately leg it down the other end, win a corner and head it over. Its end to end stuff at last.

21.31

ANIOTHER one on one and ANOTHER save!!! This time its Iniesta who breaks free and hits it directly into Stekelenburg’s midriff. Has to go in at some point, it really really does.

21.30

Dutch are getting deeper an deeper. They’ll be camped on their own goal line before long. They don’t look like they’ve heard of Total Football never mind played it.

21.29

What is going on???!!!??? I thought for a minute that Howard Webb had given a penalty!! He hasn’t though…… The Spanish certainly wanted one as Xavi was tripped.  Not much in it to my mind, it looked outside the box in any case. They have to settle for a corner.

21.26

Here are your bonus 30 minutes of 2010 world cup! Enjoy it while it lasts. Spain kick off to get us rolling again.

21.25

The internet connection here is doing its best to derail this textual extravaganza. Its supposedly wireless, its moving as if its a 1990s dial-up though.

21.24

Second time in a row that the final has gone to extra time. So far the final has never been decided in the added 30. Not sure I could handle Live Texting a World Cup Final penalty shootout. I may need another drink or two.

21.22

Well the octopus said Spain, Hansen says Spain, I appear to be in the minority here. Still got my money on the Dutch though. I have a Sixth Sense about these things.

21.21

That’s it as far as the 90 minutes of normal action are concerned. Big, big, huge, enormous chances in that half which Robben in particular will rue for years to come.

21.20

End of Normal Time: Spain 0 Holland 0

21.19

Some leggy play out there. We are careening at pace towards 30 extra minutes methinks

21.18

These English linesmen aren’t half bad y’know. Van Persie breaks through but is a split second ahead of play and is correctly flagged offside. Doing us proud so far are the officials.

21.16

Dutch are not playing Total Football, not by any stretch of the imagination, but they look dangerous on the counter.

21.15

Arsenal meastro Cesc Fabregas, who would surely get a starting place in any other international team, is on. Life’s not so bad when you can bring someone like that off the bench. And Torres is still waiting in the wings, may not get on til extra time now

21.13

Robben is absolutely FURIOUS!!! He’s through on goal for the second time in the match, appeared to be pulled back and the ball ended up with the onrushing Casillas. To rub salt into the wounds the dutchman is booked for his protests. May have had a point though. Should have still scored. Could be on a hattrick by now the Dutch midfielder.

21.09

half hearted shouts for a Spanish penalty but it was a precisely timed tackle from Sneijder on Iniesta. Wouldn’t be an ideal time to concede a penalty

21.08

Are we destined for extra time? I’d say so. If you happen to be Spanish or Dutch I pity your nerves

21.06

One good chance per team now. Should be 1-1. As it is it’s 0-0. More hard tackling and more stern words from Our Howard.

21.04

More gutsy defending from Holland as Van der Wiel flings himself in the way of a shot. The resulting corner is……ooooohhhhh….inches over from Ramos’ head. Should have been 1-0.

21.03

Acrobatic attempt from Villa this time, again though he misses the goal by a country mile. Not his fault this time though, as the ball had too much pace on it.

21.02

Hmmmm….well…..no is the short answer. Nowhere near to the goal. That’s what 34 million euros buys you these days

21.01

freee kick in a very interesting position for Spain as Iniesta is brought down by Everton’s Johnny Heitiga. Can Villa get enough dip?

21.00

Spain very much on the front foot as we enter the last twenty, and the Dutch defending is increasingly last ditch. Need to test Stekelenburg a bit more if they want to worry the scoreboard.

20.58

Much talk here of how long it will be before we see Fernando Torres. I suspect it’ll be 10 minutes or so

20.58

Elia is on as Kuyt departs. Good world cup for the Liverpool man but its over now.

20.57

Again it just will not go in! Gasps of disbelief from everyone watching. Villa had the ball 2 yards out and a gaping goal, but one of the Dutch defenders heroically flung himself in front of it. The Barca hitman looks distraught.

20.56

I’ve been asked at what time the action ends. Well it all depends you see. If we get a victor in normal time we should wrap up about 9.30. If we have to go to extra time and penalties it could be more like 10.30. I personally would love to see the latter.

20.54

Capdevilla is booked for a cynical challenge there. Whole host of players who could be in for a red. Hotting up out there though

20.54

apologies for the lapse in communication. Having internet problems doncha’ know. In the interval Robben, having a one-on-one with Casillas and what had to be the first goal of the final, somehow contrives to miss it. Oh my days that was an opportunity!

20.47

yellow card for Mathijsen there for the challenge on Villa. Dutch go close moments later. Can’t find the target for love nor money.

20.43

Good defending by the Spanish, who are not at all bothered by the Dutch pace. Villa is down meanwhile.

20.39

Speculative again from Robben. Lot of specualting going on unfortunately

20.38

The waitress here has acquired a megaphone during the break. I think its to ensure that people hear when their orders are ready. On the other hand she may be a hardcore Hollander/Spaniard.

20.37

Underway again in the second half. And nearly a goal already. Puyol manages to flick the ball on and it nearly lands kindly for Capdevilla. Just out of reach though. Nothing is landing right so far/

20.20

Halftime: Spain 0 Holland 0

Webb blows his whistle to confirm a goalless first 45. Someone needs to step it up for the second half.

20.14

Coming up to half time. Don’t think we’re going to have a goal somehow.

20.14

Drive on goal from distance from Alonso. The former Liverpool man has scored some long range belters in his time. This is not close to being one of them.

20.13

Two players down now, Sneijder and Busqeuts. Stern words for the Dutchman from Howard Webb. You can tell he used to be a policeman, he simply oozes authority.

20.09

Another foul from Van Bommel who is treading a thin line now. No yellow for this one, luckily for him

20.09

Down the other end now and Pedro has an effort. Always drifting wide but at least its a shot of some description.

20.08

should have had a shot on target there. Ball is played across to Mathijsen but the Dutch player completely miscues

20.06

Having said that Robben charges down the wing and wins a corner. Probably the stand out player of the game so far.

20.06

Vuvuzelas being drowned out which is a first! I think its the Dutch fans inside the stadium that are making the noise. Their team are not giving them much by way of encouragement at the moment

20.04

Having kicked the ball out of play so Puyol could receive treatment, Casillas is less than happy when the ball is blasted back to him and he is forced to concede a corner! The Dutch sportingly return it to him a little more calmly this time.

20.03

Puyol a little hurt after colliding with Casillas when the keeper takes a catch. Back on his feet quickly the defender.

20.02

I tell you what though, this Soccer City Stadium is a venue and a half. Reportedly cost a fraction of what Wembley cost. I wonder if we can arrange some sort of trade?

20.01

Apart from the flurry of cards there is precious little to tell you. Possession is constantly changing hands in the middle of the park, not much in the way of goalmouth action to report.

19.59

Another yellow! This one is the most definite yellow I have ever seen! Nigel de Jong for some unknown reason, instead of going for the ball decides to plant his foot squarely in Xabi Alonso’s chest. More at home in a wrestling ring that move.

19.55

Dutch player booked was Van Bommel who has just, bravely or stupidely, you take your pick, dived into another tackle on Puyol.

19.54

Ramos is booked now. Thats 4 already! May well see a red card before the nights out which would be heartbreaking for the player involved.

19.53

Horrible tackle there, brings the 3rd yellow of the match. I missed who it was but they were Dutch. I’ll update you shortly.

19.52

Robben is being his usual busy self, and he wins a corner for his side. Looks set to continue his great form of this tournament, which is good news if your of an orange persuasion.

19.50

Interestingly this final will continue the trend that every world cup winning team has been coached by a native of that country. England should take note.

19.49

Neither side clicking so far. Passes going astray left, right and centre. Very scrappy stuff.

19.47

Sneijder whips a freekick, complete with pace, at Iker Casillas. Straight at the experienced Spanish keeper, who deals with it comfortably.

19.46

Webb watch: Yellow, this time for Carles Puyol, for a pretty poor challenge on Arjen Robben. Again can’t really complain.

19.45

Webb watch: Persistent fouling from Van Persie draws a yellow card (and a cheer from the Spanish section in here). Fair enough.

19.44

If I was Carles Puyol and I knew that the world was watching my every move, i’d have been tempted to get a haircut for this one. But then again he’s rich and successful so he can do what he wants.

19.43

There are 2 screens here, by the way, and something of a lag. The people in the main bar area get the picture about ten seconds after us. Its creating a mexican wave of reaction to every chance.

19.42

and again! First time volley from Villa, but only finds the side netting. Some here thought that was in!

19.41

Oooohhhh! close, very close from Spain. Ramos drills a ball across the box, the Dutch foot comes out and its deflected over.

19.39

Webb and his boys doing very good work so far. Our man also reffed the Champions league final so he’s not exactly without experience of high pressure situations.

19.37

Shot from distance from Kuyt after a Spanish mistake. It was speculative but worth a shout in a final I reckon.

19.35

Just to warn you the exclamation marks will be out in force today. Sorry!!

19.35

Spain going close! Stekelenburg spreads himself well, early warning signs for the Dutch though.

19.34

Nervy touches from both teams. Understandable when the world’s eyes are upon you.

19.33

Having to perch on an armrest to see the action. Does not make typing easy…

19.31

And we are underway!

19.30

Oh and by the way, if there’s another Zidane style headbutt i’ll but you all a pint.

19.28

Wentworth bar is packed for this one! You would not know its the holidays. My thoughts go out to the men and women who are working during this, poor souls!

19.28

Anthems are done, we’re about to get underway!

19.27

Spain’s would be superstars are: Casillas, Pique, Puyol, Capdevilla, Sergio Ramos, Iniesta, Xavi, Alonso, Busquets, Villa and Pedro. No Torres, he’s on the bench.

19.26

Holland’s potential heroes are: Stekelenburg, Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Matijsen, Van Bronckhorst, Van Bommel, De Jong, Sneijder, Kuyt, Van Persie and Robben

19.25

To avoid Klosegate, whereby I managed to convince myself for 80 minutes that Miroslav Klose was on the pitch against Uruguay, (he wasn’t),  i’m going to give you the lineups:

19.23

Not just Howard though. Can’t forget his linesmen. If for any reason you want to see the definitive display of linesmanship ever I beseech you to rewatch Darren ‘the mann’ Cann in Slovakia’s epic victory over Italy.

19.22

This may be the first live blog ever to actively be supporting the referee. Go on Howard!!!!!

19.22

Physchic octopus says Spain. Non psychic  myself says Holland. I reckon it’ll be 2-1.

19.20

I lost my voice about an hour prior to kick off. I’m that excited that my body is shutting down.

19.15

Incidentally Webb is also the first European to ref the final since the legendary beady eyes of Pierluigi Colina took charge in 2002.

19.14

Yes of course, Howard Webb, one of the Premier League’s most consistent referees and formerly of the South Yorkshire Police becomes the first Englishman to ref a World Cup final since FIFA hall of famer Jack Taylor in 1974. Might be a bad omen for the Dutch as they lost that final.

19.10

if you needed more reason it is the first appearence of an Englishman in the world cup final since the 1970s!

19.10

If you needed more reason to watch it will also be the first ever Spanish or Dutch triumph at the world cup

19.09

May I remind you it is the 1st ever world cup final on African soil

and the 1st ever winter final

19.09

Epic is bandied around too much these days but this is the definition of the word

19.08

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, may I welcome you please to the 20th Fifa world cup final, the pinnacle of worldwide sport and the most watch televised event in the history of the world……

19.04

Drumroll please………

21.24

Well there you have it Germany, as they did four years ago on home turf, have taken 3rd place. With their young guns they’ll be hoping for even better in Brazil 2014.

21.22

Fulltime Germany 3: Uruguay 2

21.21

No he can’t but man alive he was close!! Heartbreak for every Uruguayan as the ball cannons off the crossbar.

21.20

Can Forlan rescue it for Uruguay?

21.19

Free kick on the edge of the box for Uruguay. Could get interesting!

21.19

Oezil is off and Tasci is on for his minute of World Cup action. Whistle will go any second now…….

21.17

Looks like it’ll be a European podium at South Africa 2010. Also happened in 2006 I might add.

21.16

Oh dear, oh dear! Should have been 4. Lovely counter attacking from Germany. The passing in the build up was delicious. Unfortunately Kiessling spooned the finish over, which was probably the easiest part.

21.14

Anyway back to the action. Four minutes to go as Boateng rasps  a drive straight at Muslera.

21.13

Wow, i’ve certainly showered myself in glory today. Having advised Germany to get the ball to Klose it now turns out that he is not on the pitch. I thought he’s just been very very quiet. I’m a muppet for which I apologise.

21.12

Uruguay goalkeeper probably blameless for that one, Khedira’s header was inch perfect. Ten minutes for Uruguay to respond or they’ll have to settle for an ignominious 4th place.

21.11

Germany 3: Uruguay 2- Corner played into the Uruguay box evades everyone, ping-pongs about for a minute, flicks up for Sami Khedira and the Stuttgart midfielder lofts a floating header over Muslera.

21.09

Goooooaaaalll Germany!!!!!!

21.08

Oooohh! Cross pinged into the Uruguayan area. Kiessling was inches away. Remains 2-2 though as Jansen is replaced by Kroos

21.05

When did players start thinking that free kicks from the half way line were opportunities to score? It never works!!!! Pereirra is the latest player to send the ball into orbit.

21.04

Lovely play by Kiessling, turns two men expertly well but his shot is straight at Muslera. True to form the Uruguay goalkeeper flaps at it inexpertly.

21.02

Stefan Kiessling, the Bayern Leverkausen striker is on for Cacau. Like-for-like substitution from Joachin Loew

21.00

Very much in the balance now. Might help Germany if they can get Klose on the ball. He’s been invisible so far. I’ve just had to double check that he was on the pitch.

20.53

Butt’s showing his opposite number how to do it as he spreads himself well to deny Forlan. Fantastic end to end stuff. Could end 7 all if it carries on like this

20.52

Hmm Muslera is becoming a serious liability for the South Americans. Looked like he had picked up a back pass then, the German bench certainly thought so. Ref saw a touch of a German player so nothing doing. Risky play though.

20.51

Germany 2: Uruguay 2- Muslera is not at the races today. The Uruguay keeper comes for a cross, gets nowhere near it and it falls kindly onto Marcell Jansen’s head.

20.49

Goooaaal Germany!!!!!

20.48

Incidentally Uruguay has a population of about 3 million which is around 1/20th of England’s.

20.41

Uruguay 2: Germany 1- Right if anyone ever tells you that Alex Ferguson doesn’t know talent you can show them this. Aravallo crosses and Diego Forlan drills a volley into the ground and leaves the motionless Butt stranded on the line. Great goal from the ex-United flop who moves onto 5 goals and is now level top scorer with Villa, Sneijder and Mueller

20.38

Gooooaallll Uruguay!!!!

20.36

Cavani goes round Butt, too far to hit the goal though so he pulls it back to Suarez. His shot though is too close to Butt who saves well. Lively start to the half.

20.35

Underway once more……

20.31

Desailly tactfully silent about Suarez. Damn!

20.31

The advertisers have got steretypical football fans squarely in their sights. Its all alcohol and cars at the moment, with a bit of Sky Sports thrown in. Nuts will be furious that they didn’t get a mention.

20.26

Be interesting to hear Marcel Desailly’s (Ghanaian born) view on Suarez. I really hope its an expletive ridden trade.

20.24

Ahhh, it seems i’m going to have to watch the analysis through gritted teeth. I have a serious aversion to Adrian Childes. Not sure why. Seems like a fantastically nice chap. I just hate his guts.

20.21

Right time to get a cuppa I think and wait for that horrific advert with Chris Kamara. He’s now a recurring theme in my nightmares thanks to that make-up.

20.19

Not bad. Not bad at all. Couple of goals so I can’t complain. And the players look like they have every desire of battling for 3rd place which is good to see.

20.17

Half Time: Germany 1 Uruguay 1

20.16

Muslera fumbles a cross, from which the Uruguayans somehow benefit with a quick break. The resultant corner is put over by Forlan whilst attempting to bend it into the net. Ambitious to say the least from the former Man Utd man.

20.15

Schweinsteiger attempts to make amends for his earlier mistake by curling in a free kick but only finds the Uruguayan wall. Not his day so far.

20.13

Crowd are on their feet and celebrating! Ball’s not in the net though. Suarez is played in by Forlan but completely misses the target. Credit to the aforementioned Jorg-Butt who got his angles right

20.13

Crowd are on their feet and celebrating! Ball’s not in the net though. Suarez is played in by Forlan but completely misses the target. Credit to the aforementioned Jorg-Butt who got his angles right

20.12

Third place play offs may not be every one’s cup of tea (I personally can’t get enough of them), but its a special moment for Hans Jorg Butt, Germany’s goalkeeper. This is onlyhis 4th cap and his 1st competitive one. His only other’s came in friendlies. At 36 he won’t get many more.

20.09

Wembley groundsmen may be happy to know they’re not alone in their struggles. Pitch at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium does not look good, and Jansen finds a convenient scapegoat as he miscues a cross horribly into the crowd.

20.07

Lull in play currently. The rain may have something to do with it. Port Elizabeth currently resembles Blackpool in October.

20.05

Intriguing match-up now. Germany don’t look as assured as normal, probably due to the amount of changes they’ve made. Uruguay on the other hand are at full strength and growing in confidence as the match goes on. Having said that my money’s still on the Germans, they always find a way.

20.01

Uruguay 1: Germany 1- Horrible moment for Germany captain-for-the-day Schweinsteiger as he’s robbed in the middle of the park by Perez. Got to hand it to the Uruguayans though whose counter attacked was, well, Germanesque. Perez played it to Suarez and public enemy number 1 fed Cavani. The measured finish means we’re all level again.

19.58

Goooooaallll Uruguay!!!

19.58

Suarez is currently on 3 goals. If he were to score a hat trick he would move into the Golden Boot position. The crowd would probably riot though so we’ll be hoping he’s not on form

19.57

Luis Suarez is being booed roundly whenever he gets a sniff of the ball. Hate to slip out of my impartial zone but he probably deserves it.

19.55

As has been pointed out by many people in the last minute, it is a travesty that Mueller is only up for Young Player of the tournament and not Player of the Tournament. Bayern will be hanging on to this one.

19.54

Germany 1: Uruguay 0. Thomas Mueller, probably the young player of the tournament moves level with David Villa and Wesley Sneijder on 5 goals. Bastian   Schweinsteiger’s reasping drive is parried meekly by Uruguay goalkeeper Muslera and falls kindly to the young german who slots home.

19.48

Gooooalllll GERMANY

19.48

The game is so dull at the moment that the mexican wave has started already. I clock that at 16 minutes, which is something of a record but not a good one.

19.47

Not sure if it counts as a fun fact but if you’re hoping for an early night you may be lucky. Only one 3rd place playoff has ever gone to extra time. None have gone to penalties.

19.46

Uruguay are having a bit more possession but nothing threatening Hans Jorg Butt in the German goal, so i’m gonna rustle up some more fun facts

19.41

So close from the Germans who have had all the early possession. Friedrich hits the bar with a towering header from a corner with the Uruguay defence at 6s and 7s.

19.40

And should Uruguay win they would be the first South American team to win a third place match since Brazil in 1978. Riveting stuff I know.

19.39

One for the statbook again. If Miroslave Klose was to find the net today, which he has a real knack for doing, he would equal Ronaldo’s record of 15 World Cup goals. That’s Ronaldo the portly Brazilian by the way not Ronaldo the preening Portuguese.

19.37

Suarez, completely without irony, complains vociferously to the referee as a Uruguay free kick hits a German hand. Cheeky little chap, doubt any Ghanains are laughing though.

19.36

Horrific tackle from the young German Aogo. Gets away somewhat fortunately with a yellow when it may have been red. Could have broken Perez’s leg but fortunately there was none of that.

19.34

And Mueller’s at it already! Sticks the ball in the net composedly, but that may be because the whistle had gone about half an hour beforehand.

19.33

And some of the players out there will be on something of a mission regarding the golden boot. Villa and Sneijder both have 5 but breathing down their necks will be Forlan, Klose and the impressive youngster Mueller, who each have 4.

19.32

Forget tommorow night, this is where the action is. Every single 3rd place game since 1978 has had a minimum of 3 goals.

19.30

Back again! Just in time. The always eagerly anticipated ‘glorified friendly’ that is the third place playoff is moments away!

21.31

Time to wrap proceedings up I think. As i’ve mentioned the final of the biggest sporting tournament in the known universe is on Sunday. Of course all this is merely a side show compared to Saturday’s third place playoff, as Germany or Uruguay fight for the coveted bronze medal.

If your a betting person I fancy the Dutch myself,  so be sure to put your money on Spain.

Anyway its been a real pleasure….Cheerio!

21.25

re 1927: on another note the damned ‘phsycic’ octopus has cost me my food money for the week. :(

21.25

re 1927: on another note the damned ‘phsycic’ octopus has cost me my food money for the week by virtue of being 100% correct again. :(

21.24

German players are distraught, as well they might be, but a semi-final spot was more than many would have given them at the start of the tournament.

21.22

Not the best of matches, not a classic by any means. Vicente Del Bosque won’t care though,his men will be in Soccer City this Sunday to face the Dutch. Have fun predicting that one!

21.19

Thats it! Party time for Madrid as the Spanish are in the world cup final!

21.18

just 1 minute left of stoppage time. Xabi Alonso off. Marchena on, who has never lost an international for Spain.

21.16

There may be another goal but if there is its going to be a Spanish one. There trying to walk it in. Must be able to smell the final as its mere seconds away.

21.12

No sign of a German goal, about 5 mins left I reckon.

21.12

Still no cards, which is nice to see. Ref seems to have lost his whistle which may be a contributing factor. Germans furious as Schweiny has a stonewall free kick appeal on the edge of the box turned down with barely a look.

21.10

Man City’s newboy David Silva is primed and ready to come on. Not sure who for though.

21.09

Had to be 2! Pedro and Torres broke free and all Pedro had to do was square to the Liverpool striker and the final berth would have been theirs. Even I could have done that!

21.08

Excuse my exuberance. Torres is on for Villa. Gomez, worst striker at euro 2008 by a country mile, is on for Germany.

21.07

Torres is here!!!

21.05

Villa one-on-one with Friedrich. Defender does consumately well though. No way through for the Barca frontman.

21.03

As it stands we would definitely have a first timer winning the world cup. Neither Spain nor Holland have achieved that feat before. Am I writing off the Germans already? Hell no!

21.02

Quarter of an hour for Germany to save themselves or they’re going out at the semi final stage for the second time in a row.

21.00

Spain 1 Germany 0: Absolutely no chance for Neuer. Puyol plants a bullet header into the net. Not a very Spanish goal but they all count.

20.59

goooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllll Spain!!!!

20.59

20.56

I have it on good authority that ‘the force is with Germany’. We can expect lightsabres then

20.55

just as i was typing that, Kross send a thumping volley at Casillas. Its end to end again. I give up with predicting things. Clearly i’m no phsycic octopus.

20.54

Have to say that Spain look the better side. Can’t find that killer ball though.

20.53

re 1927 i’m still no closer to knowing whether I get to eat this week or not. The suspense is killing me.

20.50

Spider sense is tingling. Something’s gonna happen soon, trust me.

20.49

Ramos again involved. Nearly latching onto the end of an Alonso cross. Nothing doing, inches away mind.

20.48

Pedro looks better than Messi and Ronaldo combined. Where has this one been hiding?

20.47

Klose comes…erm….well…..close i guess. Bit acrobatic from the big man. Not troubling Casillas.

20.45

Many many shots. Neuer is a man under attack. Pedro strikes directly at the German keeper. Villa then slides a ball across the box which is agonisingly out of reach for everyone. Bit reminiscent of Gazza at Euro ‘96.

20.44

Sooooo close to a spain goal!

20.41

Villa follows the trend of shooting wide. Scoring does not appear to be high on anyone’s list of priorities.

20.39

2038: Jansen is on for Boateng for Germany who looks shellshocked. Actually he looks about right for a man who’s having his semi-final curtailed.

20.36

Xabi Alonso’s shoots but that’s nowhere near the net. Doesn’t stop the gentleman in front of me from jumping up in anticipation.Love to see what he does if they actually score.

20.36

Alonso’s getting closer. Still not hitting target though. Certain fans are a little more reserved this time.

20.31

Apologies for my momentary absence. I had to get crisps, due to a lack of good old nourishing goals. 

20.20

Incidentally if your worried about vuvuzela withdrawal symptoms post world cup you’ll be pleased to hear you can now have that annoying blare direct on your PC. Keep in mind that if you do happen to enjoy this sort of thing you may want to seek some sort of proffesional medical help. http://www.vuvuzela-time.co.uk.

20.19

Just as it was hotting up ref blows for the break. Not much doing here, second half has to get better. Surely?

20.17

Halftime – Germany 0 Spain 0

20.16

Ozel burst through Spanish defence and goes tumbling. Tad lightly but there was contact from Ramos, no penalty forthcoming however. End to end stuff.

20.14

Pedro dances, ducks and weaves into the area. Will he shoot? Will he pass? Neither. Wins a corner though, which is duly overhit

20.12

Iniesta wins a free kick from Boateg but the Spanish try to be clever and end up wasting it. Bit infuriating if you ask me.

20.10

They may be in the semis but Spain look a shadow of their 2008 European Chamionship winning team. They have had 60% of the ball, they’re not doing a whole lot with it though.

20.07

Shock horror as courtyard TV flickers momentarily! Thankfully normal coverage resumes. It better continue to do so or I will be miffed. Miffed I tell you!

20.05

Germans still look lively. Bit wasteful with possession though which causes coach Joachim Luuurrvve (not correct spelling) to ‘jump around’ on the touchline.

20.03

Admission time- Despite claiming to be a football anorak I have never heard of Piotr Trochowski. Plays for Hamburg apparently.

20.01

Better from the boys in white. Trochowski’s shot from distance was testing for Casillas but Spain’s man between the sticks got down to palm it away.

19.59

Germans have a bit of possession with Schweinsteiger and Ozel but it comes to nothing. Schweiny hasn’t had too much of the ball yet. Bad for him, good for me. You try speed typing his name.

19.57

Having said Ramos is a defender he then makes what can only be described as a forward’s tackle on Boateng. Should have a yellow.

19.55

Not that it matters but Courtyard is not quite as raucous as it was yesterday. There were sizeable contingents of both Dutch and Uruguayans. None of that today though :(

19.54

German counter attacking machine not quite clicking as of yet. Ozel, Podolski, Klose and co. look a little despondent.

19.53

If you really squinted you could make Spain look like Alcuin, but no-one wants to see that.

19.50

If you squint Germany look like England. Its fun to dream.

19.49

Right on cue Sergio Ramos lets off a shot. He’s a defender. Guess where the shot ended up.

19.48

Right, it was about this time yesterday that Gio Van Bronkhorst scored that wonder goal. One of those now wouldn’t go amiss lads, if your offering.

19.45

Clearly someone has replaced Iker Casillas, the international class wonder keeper, with a dodgy replica. Anyway the artist formerly known as Casillas flaps at a corner and looks a little anxious. Calm down dear, its only a game.

19.43

Man alive that was close! Puyol manages to get all of his silly floppy locks onto the ball but the header goes over. Spanish goal may not be too far away though.

19.41

Re: 19:32 – I was wrong about the vuvuzelas! PLEASE SOMEONE MAKE THEM STOP

19.40

In case you needed reminding the winner of this match faces the Dutch. The loser gets the booby prize of a third place playoff with Uruguay. The Uruguayans will be boosted by the return of their star goalkeeper, Luis Suarez.

19.36

First chance of the match! Neuer saves well from Villa. Nervy stuff from the Germans.

19.35

Bit of a cagey start. Spanish in possession mostly. Pedro looks a bit alright…..at football that is.

19.34

There’s some people on the pitch. The match is definitely not over though. The commentary team are not impressed.

19.32

Is it me or have the vuvuzelas got quieter as the tournament’s progressed?

19.30

Anthems all done and dusted. Here we go!

19.30

Here’s one for you stat fans. If David Villa scores today he will equal Raul’s record of 44 goals for Spain. Torres only has 24, which is rubbish

19.29

Interesetingly Fernando Torres has been left out in favour of Barcelona’s Pedro. Hmmmmm.

19.27

Right it’s done. My food money for the week has been bet on a Germany victory. I’m remaining completely impartial though…..

19.23

Hello ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the show. If yesterday was anything to go by we’re in for a cracker. Feel sorry for Uruguay? After thay handball I should think not.

19.20

First we had the group stage, and the French decided it wasn’t for them….

Then we had the second round and some fleeting dreams were crushed…..

Then we had the quarters and things got interesting……..

But all that was nothing compared to the excitement of a World Cup Semi!