The show is over, the game goes on.

Spain shattered a wall of disbelief and underachievement to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup after a rather cagey, tense and scrappy final. Paul the Octopus' almost unblemished track record continued. Andreas Iniesta showed just why he's considered a genius. Alongside Xavi in central midfield, the two in unison proved they have the armoury to unlock any defence.

English referee Howard Webb will be remembered for his catalogue of debatable decisions through the night; from his handling of Nigel De Jong's kung-fu kick on Xabi Alonso to his failure to award Netherlands a corner minutes before Spain's eventual goal. But it wasn't a particularly easy game to referee, and contrary to popular belief, Webb did fairly well.

Well, the curtains may have come down on the world's greatest sporting event, but the beautiful game goes on. Speaking of beautiful, it's now Arsenal in focus. Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny have put pen to paper. Potential signings have kept the rumour mill busy. But Arsene Wenger's keeping his cards close to his chest, as always.

The octopus lives to see another day.

It was Paul the oracle octopus up against some mathematical mumbo jumbo that's been doing the rounds of cyberspace, tipping Germany to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Unfortunately for the Mannschaft and 80 million Germans, Paul's divination was correct and mathematical statistics were left red in the face.

We had seen Joachim Loew's team pump four goals against Australia, England and Argentina each. Unfortunately, the fluidity of their game deserted them against a disciplined and patient Spain. The world will wonder how much of Paul's prediction would have disoriented Germany when they stepped on to the pitch last night.

The truth is Spain did what they do best. Keep possession. Pass it around. And then slide a killer pass at the slightest opportunity. Germany were living on the edge for most parts but kept closing the door on Spain. Carles Puyol eventually rose to the occasion and ensured his team made it through to their first ever final.

Spain must realise it's a different kettle of fish against the Netherlands. Only three Spain players have found the back of the net so far, with David Villa's five goals making the Barcelona striker responsible for the lion's share. Iniesta and Puyol are the only others to have a goal to their credit. Something of a concern.

The first World Cup in Africa has something different to offer. A new world champion. For the Dutch, it's a third trip to the title game, having lost in 1974 and 1978. Spain have never made it past the semi finals. Thankfully for both teams the result won't be decided by the hunger pangs of a tentacled oracle.

Is Germany the new Brazil?

The heat inside the World Cup crucible has reached boiling point. France, Italy, England, Portugal, Brazil and Argentina have been forced out the door. Only weeks ago, people were clamouring about Europe being pipped to the finish by South America. It's now down to the last four and that speculation has been ruthlessly dismissed with the Netherlands, Spain and Germany making the grade.

Speaking of ruthless, Germany have laid down a real marker in their bid to claim football's biggest prize for the fourth time. But what's more interesting to note is the manner in which they've gone about their business. 13 goals in 5 games in their run up to the semi final. Slick passing, terrific movement on and off the ball, stoic discipline in defence; the positives are generously well layered.

So what is it that drives at the heart of this German team, and how? Franz Beckenbauer was bang on with his conjecture on how efficient this team is. They can dictate the tempo of the game, win the ball back with consummate ease and score goals at will. The fact that both Argentina and England have suffered the indignity gives reason to believe that Germany has a fair measure of world-class quality.

Thomas Müller, Miroslav Klose and Lucas Podolski have all shown that it's not about pace and skill as much as it is about movement and guile, in and around the box. Schweinsteiger, Özil and Khedira look totally in control with or without the ball at their feet. At the back, Friedrich, Mertesacker and Lahm can do no wrong and Manuel Neuer in goal provides the brushstroke that completes the painting.

Germany face Spain in an all-European semi-final on Wednesday, 7th July 2010 in Durban. So far, every time the Germans have swept forward in attack, defences have looked barely in the same postcode. To have Germany grace the last four is almost the natural order of things in World Cup football. But can they disprove the 14/1 odds quoted on them before the tournament began?