Expert Blogs

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - Mucho gracias, Espana.

Spain did soccer fans all around the world (except in Germany, of course) a big favour Wednesday night.

Not only did La Roja's 1-0 victory over the Germans send them through to Sunday's final against the Netherlands in Johannesburg, but it also ensures that we will see a new name etched on the World Cup trophy.

How refreshing. Nothing against the Germans - they would have been worthy champions had they defeated the Dutch.

But from a neutral point of view, the chance to witness a country win the World Cup for the first time - something that hasn't happened since France took the crown on home soil in 1998 - is very exciting.

It also breathes new life into a competition that is the sporting equivalent of an exclusive country club.

Soccer is the global game, the most popular sport in the world. It is played in every corner of the planet, and there are more member nations of FIFA, the sport's world governing body, than the United Nations.

But the universal love of the beautiful game has not lead to parity on the field. Far from it. The previous 18 World Cup tournaments have produced only seven different winners.

Seven!

Brazil and Italy have accounted for half of the World Cup titles won since the inaugural 1930 tournament staged in Uruguay, underling just how difficult it is for a nation to win soccer's Holy Grail.

In a few days, Spain or the Netherlands will make history, and enter the hallowed halls of soccer's pantheon, alongside Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy and Uruguay.

Either one would make a welcome addition.

The Netherlands has quietly gone about its business in South Africa, grinding out victories and playing as a team.

Wesley Sneijder, in particular, has been sublime for the Dutch, scoring five goals and spraying perfect passes around the field, further underscoring his reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world.

One can't help but wonder if Real Madrid president Florentino Perez now regrets his decision to sell the Dutchman for a pittance to Inter Milan last summer. Based on Sneijder's performance at this World Cup, and those of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo (Real's two costliest off-season acquisitions last year) Perez has been made to look like a fool.

Spain has been just as brilliant, as evidenced by their complete domination of the mighty Germans.

Tiki taka, the name given to Spain's fast-paced possession game, has served the Spaniards well in South Africa, allowing them to dictate the rhythm of their matches and keep their opponents at a full arm's length.

Spain's three amigos - midfielders Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso - have been masterful in their link-up play and distribution, so much so that their performances should be serialized in textbooks and be mandatory reading by every young player.

So welcome Spain or the Netherlands to soccer's penthouse. Take the elevator to the top floor and enter through the gold-plated doors.

The other residents will leave a light on for you.