The metaphorical monkey that has for decades weighed down Spain and made it a near-cripple is now one good whack away from being beaten off the Spaniards' back once and for all.
Soccer's greatest underachievers took a giant step toward immortality with a 1-0 win over Germany Wednesday night courtesy of a Carlos Puyol goal in the 73rd minute, advancing to their first World Cup final.
The ultra-stylish Spanish side masterfully dictated the pace of the…