Semifinals

• Mexico 0-2 Netherlands
  
• England 0-1 Spain

The dream finally ends for Mexico as they are, like all Dutch opponents of the past few weeks, overwhelmed by total football. Spain, meanwhile, finally avenges the humiliation of 1588 in a game that is much more exciting than the score indicates, with both teams creating many scoring chances but only David Villa converting. Ashley Cole, desperately pushing forward in stoppage time, hits the woodwork in England's last chance, and I comment for the last time about how I can't hear his name without thinking of Ashley-Pitt from The Great Escape.