Germany, who whitewashed Argentina 4-0 in the quarterfinal, have to vie for the third place with Uruguay in Port Elizabeth on July 10.

The last encounter between Spain and Germany was in the Euro 2008 final. Spain won 1-0 thanks to a Fernando Torres strike. But Torres, who has not scored a single goal so far in the World Cup, sat on the bench in the first half. Barcelona forward Pedro replaced him as the starter.

Spain almost controlled the match, boasting 13 shots against Germany's five. The game was much like the repeat of the Euro 2008 final, witnessing Spain's dazzling short passes, crosses, dribblings and through balls.

"In the last two or three years they have been one of the best and most united teams," Germany coach Joachim Loew said. "They circulate the ball well and we couldn't play the way we like to play."

"Our defense is hard to stop them," admitted Loew.

"It was very difficult tonight," said Germany skipper Philipp Lahm. "We knew Spain were a favourite to win the tournament. Spain is a very strong team."

Germany sorely missed suspended winger Thomas Mueller, who had scored four goals so far and was often able to outsprint opponents.

Germany played more cautiously tonight than the Argentina game. Their defense was tough and made little mistakes. Otherwise, the score would not be 1-0.

Spain defender Sergio Ramos made a very ambitious shot in the 18th minute when he found himself isolated out on the right but the ball sailed high and wide.

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