Spain's 1-0 victory over Germany yesterday evening ensured that it will be David Silva, and not Jerome Boateng, who moves on to face Nigel de Jong's Netherlands side in the World Cup final.
It was the first time since signing for the club that there had been a glimpse of Silva in a Spain shirt, and although for just five minutes at the end of the game he was involved on a few occasions - floating around at the head of the midfield and breaking with fellow substitute Fernando Torres on a couple of counter-attacks.
But the World Cup ended for Jerome Boateng though. Not his most comfortable of evenings at left back against an excellent Spain side, but he does look to be a good player. Tall, strong, poised and comfortable on the ball and with both feet - the kind of player that Micah Richards may well have developed into had he not hit the buffers with his development.
From the evidence of the World Cup he does look more of a central defender, but also looks as though he could be the best option at right back.
The final between Spain and the Netherlands is of course on Sunday evening.
All eyes on Paul the octopus then...