Germany 0-1 Spain: The top scorers of South Africa 2010 take on the pre-tournament favourites and the residents of Kreuzberg, Berlin, show their support for their side and Turkish-German forward Mesut Ozil
Outside Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium, however, both sets of fans are confident of meeting the Netherlands in Johannesburg, either as first-time World Cup finalists, or in a re-run of the 1974 final
The sun sets and fans begin to swell in to the ground full of expectation - will Miroslav Klose overtake Ronaldo's record 15 World Cup goals? Can David Villa secure the Golden Boot?
And so attention turns to the Moses Mabhida Stadium, where the Germany players - including Thomas Mueller, front left, who is unavailable because of suspension - familiarise themselves with the pitch
And while Germany are without Thomas Mueller, Spain are also without one of their big stars - Fernando Torres - the Liverpool striker dropped to the bench on the back of a series of poor performances
Fernando Torres's replacement is Barcelona forward Pedro, who plays his part in helping Spain sink into their famed passing rhythm, La Furia Roja almost entirely dominating possession in the opening stages
But for all their possession, Spain create few clear-cut chances - the best of them coming from a corner from which Carles Puyol should do better, instead powering a free header over the bar
David Villa also has half a chance as he slides on to Pedro's pass only for keeper Manuel Neuer to save - and soon Germany get themselves into the match for the first time as Spain's lack of incision begins to tell
And German playmaker Mesut Ozil threatens to create an opening against the run of play towards the end of the half, his run ended only by an apparent clip on his ankle by Spain right-back Sergio Ramos
The pattern of the second half is much the same as the first as Spain continue to dominate control of the ball, and it prompts Germany to make the first change with Marcel Jansen sent on for Jerome Boateng
Spain remain the dominant side, though, and unlike in the first half they begin to create chances - this time Pedro bursting into the box and firing a shot across goal that keeper Manuel Neuer saves
And finally Spain get the reward all their neat passing deserves when Xavi's pin-point corner is met by Carles Puyol's determined run, the skipper planting a firm header unmarked past keeper Manuel Neuer
It prompts huge celebrations as the Spain team - in the nation's first ever World Cup semi-final - surround goalscorer Carles Puyol at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban
Germany coach Joachim Loew responds with the last of his substitutions - sending forward Mario Gomez on for midfielder Sami Khedira - but, if anything, Spain look the more dangerous side on the counter attack
In the end, Spain see out the rest of the match without alarm and when the final whistle goes it sparks wild scenes from La Furia Roja, in direct contrast to the Germans' dejection
For some Germans, the realisation they have been knocked out of the World Cup at the penultimate hurdle is too much to bear. A third-place play-off against Uruguay on Saturday is their consolation
But for Spain - led by captain and match-winner Carles Puyol - the prospect of the World Cup final against the Netherlands on Sunday in Johannesburg awaits, the chance to add world glory to their Euro 2008 title
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