Carle Puyol Takes Spain To The Finals

Puyol is known for his intense commitment and ruggedness as a defender. So when it was he who scored the winning header goal for Spain at the 2010 FIFA World Cup semi-final match against Germany, it was quite a surprise. In the final, he played the full 120 minutes, as Spain defeated the Netherlands 1–0.

Puyol won his first Spanish cap on 15 November 2000 against the Netherlands, and remained a regular fixture ever since. He played for the nation at the 2000 Olympics, 2002 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2004, 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008 and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. At Euro 2008, Puyol started throughout the vast majority of the competition, as the defensive backline only conceded two goals in five games, with an eventual final win against Germany. He was named in the Team of the Tournament alongside defensive partner Carlos Marchena, of Valencia CF. Puyol started three out of five games at the 2009 Confederations Cup, and captained the team when Iker Casillas was rested for the last group stage match. As Spain finished third, he and three other teammates were named in the Team of the Tournament.

Puyol started all matches and played almost all minutes at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. On July 7th of 2010, he scored the only goal in the semifinal against Germany with a powerfully header from a corner taken by Barcelona teammate Xavi, sending the national team through to their first World Cup Final. This was Puyol's third international goal in 89 matches. After winning the World Cup, at age 32, it was reported that Puyol intended to retire from the Spanish national team, and concentrate on club football.