Durban, Jul 8 (DPA): Spain boss Vicente del Bosque praised his players as "magnificent" Wednesday after they outplayed Germany in the World Cup semi-final to win 1-0.

"It was a noble semi-final between two great teams," he said. "I think we looked for the best way to play, to take the ball, and keep it for the whole game and I think our players have fulfilled this job in a magnificent way," he said.

The Spanish coach said that his players' excellence succeeded in neutralizing the German threat. "Germany was perhaps less strong than expected because our team did a great job," he said.

But he urged his team and their supporters not to get carried away before Sunday's big game, which is a first World Cup final for both Spain and the Netherlands.

"Holland play excellent football and have been trying to become world champions for many years and have an excellent record," he said.

"We must celebrate the victory but with moderation... keep a balance and we will try to keep our eyes wide open without being blinded by success. There is nothing more precious than winning the World Cup. We are young team and we shouldn't be bragging or be conceited and play the next match," the coach added.