Puyol, an unlikely hero in team filled with talent
Source: Agencies |
July 9, 2010, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
SPAIN'S Carles Puyol stepped up to become the unlikely hero, which may be remembered as the perfect going-away gift as the veteran defender mulls international retirement after the tournament.
The shaggy-haired center back rose above the German defense and crashed a 73rd-minute header into the net to send the European champion into Sunday's showpiece with Netherlands.
It was the 32-year-old's third international goal in his 89th appearance and puts Spain in its first World Cup final.
Puyol said he will make a decision on his future with the national team after the final.
"After everything he's given to the national team he deserves a goal like that," fellow defender Joan Capdevila said. "The trajectory he brings here is so admirable, and what better present than to put us into a final."
As usual, Puyol was mum after the match, leaving his teammates to tell of perhaps the most important goal for a player who has achieved every club level success possible on top of the 2008 European Championship triumph.
"Puyol the shark has taken us to the final," David Villa, who is joint top scorer at the tournament in South Africa with five goals, told reporters. "Let's hope he scores again and gives us another win."
Puyol's knack for scoring in big games is also apparent. He scored from a near identical header in Barcelona's record 6-2 victory at archrival Real Madrid in 2009.
"Clearly, to score from a corner kick against Germany is tough," Capdevila said. "Carles did it so well since these games are decided by the smallest details."
Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, who is a Barcelona fan, added his voice to the acclaim, telling Spanish radio: "What a leap, what a header by Puyol! He is superb."
The shaggy-haired center back rose above the German defense and crashed a 73rd-minute header into the net to send the European champion into Sunday's showpiece with Netherlands.
It was the 32-year-old's third international goal in his 89th appearance and puts Spain in its first World Cup final.
Puyol said he will make a decision on his future with the national team after the final.
"After everything he's given to the national team he deserves a goal like that," fellow defender Joan Capdevila said. "The trajectory he brings here is so admirable, and what better present than to put us into a final."
As usual, Puyol was mum after the match, leaving his teammates to tell of perhaps the most important goal for a player who has achieved every club level success possible on top of the 2008 European Championship triumph.
"Puyol the shark has taken us to the final," David Villa, who is joint top scorer at the tournament in South Africa with five goals, told reporters. "Let's hope he scores again and gives us another win."
Puyol's knack for scoring in big games is also apparent. He scored from a near identical header in Barcelona's record 6-2 victory at archrival Real Madrid in 2009.
"Clearly, to score from a corner kick against Germany is tough," Capdevila said. "Carles did it so well since these games are decided by the smallest details."
Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, who is a Barcelona fan, added his voice to the acclaim, telling Spanish radio: "What a leap, what a header by Puyol! He is superb."
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