Puyol’s goal is his sweetest send off for Spain

The powerful header that sent Spain into their first World Cup final may be remembered as Carles Puyol's perfect going-away gift, as the veteran defender mulls international retirement after the tournament.



Puyol scored with a thunderous header in the 73rd minute at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium yesterday, to secure a 1-0 win over Germany.



Following the game, the 32-year-old Puyol said he would make a decision on his future with the national team after the final.



If the Barcelona center back decides to go, it will be with style as he scored for only the third time in his 89th appearance for Spain.



Fellow defender, Joan Capdevila, lauded Puyol's goal, saying ‘what better present than to put us into a final’



Spain will now play the Netherlands in Sunday's final at Soccer City in South Africa.



Germany will face Uruguay in the third-place match Saturday in Port Elizabeth.