Lahm gracious in defeat
Skipper says Germany lacked courage in semis
Last Updated: July 8, 2010 6:38pm
Lahm: Disappointed
Sky Bet
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Football Betting
Germany captain Philipp Lahm was gracious in defeat on Wednesday after Spain booked their place in the World Cup final.
Carlos Puyol's second-half header earned Spain their first final appearance, ending Germany's dream in the process.
Little was expected of Germany pre-tournament, but impressive knockout wins over England and Germany raised expectations.
Their attempts to exact revenge for their Euro 2008 final defeat to Spain ultimately failed as Puyol settled the contest.
Lahm, who was captaining the side in Michael Ballack's absence, admitted after the full-time whistle that Spain deserved to progress.
Difficult
"It was very difficult tonight," said the Bayern Munich defender.
"We knew Spain were a favourite to win the tournament. Spain is a very strong team.
"We didn't play courageously enough in the first half. We had a chance in the second, but weren't able to use it.
"It's a huge disappointment. We wanted to do a lot and didn't succeed."
Philipp Lahm
