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Preview: Germany v Spain

by setanta.com staff , 06 July 2010

It is a repeat of the Euro 2008 final on Wednesday as Germany and Spain battle it out for a place in the World Cup final.


On that occasion a goal from Fernando Torres gave the Spaniards a 1-0 win to cement their place as kings of Europe, a title they want to add to their status in the World game but one they will only be in line to claim if they can get past the most impressive Germans.

Joachaim Loew’s side were quite magnificent in their 4-0 win over Argentina in Saturday’s quarter-final, a result they achieved on the back of a 4-1 success over England.

Their confidence must have skyrocketed, though they did suffer one blow against Argentina when goalscorer Thomas Muller – who has claimed four goals in all so far in the finals – picked up a booking that will see him suspended for the game with Spain in Durban.

Piotr Trochowski, Marko Marin, Toni Kroos and Stefan Keissling are all contenders to take his place, with the former used as a substitute when the match was won on Saturday, possibly indicating that he will get the nod.

Elsewhere, impressive midfielder Sami Khedira has overcome a thigh injury, defender Arne Friedrich is fit after a foot problem and striker Cacau is available again after missing the knockout stages so far with an abdominal muscle injury.

Cesc Fabregas’s fitness has been a concern ahead of the game for Spain coach Vicente del Bosque. The Arsenal man suffered a shoulder knock against Paraguay at the weekend and a leg problem in training.

If he is not cleared to play then Torres could once again start, though the Liverpool man has not looked fit in any of his four starts for Spain so far at the finals.

Veteran central defender Carles Puyol has been cleared to play after receiving the all-clear when given the once-over for blurred vision.

Whoever wins Wednesday’s game will be favourites to go on and win the final but neither can think about that just yet. Germany have been the best team in the tournament so far in most observers’ eyes, but the Spain side is littered with stars, none in greater form than David Villa, who has five goals to his name.

If opposite number Miroslav Klose scores on Wednesday he will equal that tally and also equal Brazilian Ronaldo’s record 15 World Cup goals, a record that – with two games left whatever happens - he is very much on course to break.

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