The second World Cup semi-final takes place on Wednesday, with Germany taking on European champions Spain in Durban.

Beating the Germans in the Euro 2008 final did much to shed Spain's reputation as an international underachiever, but Germany will be eager to avenge that loss Wednesday night in Durban as it seeks a spot in a record eighth World Cup final.

Experts expect this to be the tightest game in the whole tournament, but the majority seem to favor Germany.

This is not to be said of the phenomenal Paul the Octopus who predicted on Tuesday Germany's defeat by Spain.

Probable teams

Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Lahm, Freidrich, Mertsesacker, Boateng; Khadira, Schweinsteiger; Ozil, Kroos, Podolski; Klose.Spain (4-2-2-2): Casillas; Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Capdevila; Busquets, Alonso; Xavi; Iniesta; Villa, Torres.

Referee: V Kassai (Hungary).

Previous Meetings

Played 20: Germany 8 wins, Draws 6, Holland 6 wins

World Cup Meetings

1966: (Birmingham, Group Stage): West Germany 2 Spain 1

1982: (Madrid, 2nd Rd): West Germany 2 Spain 1

1994: (Chicago, Group Stage): Germany 1 Spain 1

Fact: Germany have scored 13 goals, just one short of their total return at each of the previous two World Cup finals. In 1954 they scored 25 goals and their previous best was in 1970 (17).