mikhail

MOTM: Xavi Hernández (#8). Casillas will be remembered for that save and Iniesta will be immortalised for that goal, but Xavi was just perfect for Spain throughout this grueling back-and-forth. 120 minutes of Netherlands failing to contain him. POOR: Arjen Robben (#11). 62’ will haunt this man forever.

MOTM: Pedro Rodríguez (#18). Benching an underperforming Fernando Torres for Pedro will go down as one of the great tactical moves in World Cup history. Pedro’s link-up play and ball-carrying runs opened up the space for Spain to dominate a talented Germany side. HMs to Xavi, Puyol, Casillas, Ramos, and Iniesta. POOR: Piotr Trochowski (#15). Germany’s midfield sorely missed Thomas Müller this game, and they were getting danced around by Spain for at least an hour. Trochowski offered no creativity and (hindsight 20/20) a young Kroos should probably have started in his place.