Potted history
Spain's World Cup history is dreadful. Their best finish was fourth in 1950, when they conceded 11 goals in a three-match final pool. They have reached no other semi-final. By comparison Germany have won the title three times; this is their 12th semi-final appearance.
Expectations
"A rival such as Germany works better for us than the one we had in Paraguay," says David Villa, hopeful Spain can finally match their pre-tournament hype against a more expansive side. Germany can relax, their young side having already met ambitions.
Key clash
Xavi is the world's most metronomic passer but can his play be broken up by the old-fashioned box-to-box energy of Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has so often disappointed in a Germany shirt but has been a revelation in this tournament?
Key decisions
Joachim Löw has few worries. Only Thomas Müller is suspended, and his place is likely to go to Piotr Trochowski. Spain must decide between two Fernandos: stick with Torres's impostor twin, or set the physical Llorente about Germany's rickety back line.
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