Germans Remember Who They Are, Squeeze Spain

As if there was any doubt Spain's time had come and gone as the kings of world football, Germany drove the point home on Tuesday.

The World Champions left it late, but roster depth was the ultimate key to victory in its 0-1 result.

Spain took a 34-match unbeaten streak into this friendly between the las two Cup holders on a rain-soaked pitch, and the young guns of Germany navigated it well enough.

Both sides had their chances:

On this night, fundamental German efficiency prevailed over the Barcelona-inspired Tiki-Taka tactics, although there really wasn't much in it.

With only two starters from their World Cup triumph on the pitch, one of them -- Tony Kroos -- nailed the game-winner in the 89th minute. Here's a closer look. It's clear the soggy pitch played a role, as the shot skipped home:

Despite the pitch condition, it was a team effort from both sides. Germany's abundance of Ballon d’Or nominees were mostly spectators in this one, but again, the next wave held on until Kroos got his opportunity.

So, with the successful closing of this international window, the Germans can now get back to doing what Germans do between matches.

Carry on.