Spain have the game to tame Germany.

It has, by general consensus been a strange world cup. A traditional power-house Italy exited with barely a murmur. England, widely fancied from their qualifying record went without even a penalty shoot-out and the French had a seismic meltdown. All the so called stars failed to fire, a plastic horn became a talking point and America briefly cared about the world’s game. It is no surprise to see perennial contenders Germany involved at the semi-final stage but it is the manner of their progress that has stunned.

The Germans have been electrifying. A blur of rapid passes and efficient finishing. Between them Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller and Mezut Ozil all have legitimate claims to be player of the tournament so far. The devastating nature of their counter attack has left luminaries like Argentina choking in their dust. Even their stereotypical captain, a defender, is better known for his bursts forward than his defending. The loss of Michael Ballack, instead of hindering them seems to have liberated them. Schweinsteiger drives from the middle with the nimble Kediera dove-tailing with him perfectly. Ozil is humming as the creative hub while Podolski and Klose have found their international mojo.

But despite that there remains some doubt about Germany. In both wins over England and Argentina, they had the luxury of an early goal to calm any nerves of a young team while their centre of defence looks susceptible, especially to quick feet. It is unlikely that their opponents Spain will gift Germany oceans of green in which to launch a counter attack. The Spaniards relentless possession game may also tire Germany while Alonso and Busquets will not so easily be lead out of position as Gareth Barry was or be left isolated like Mascherano. Busquets in particular is important for Spain. For years they lacked his type. For all the artful flourishes from the likes of Xavi, it is the more Machiavellian nature of Busquets and his predecessor Marcos Senna that give Spain the edge needed at this level. Should they sit and play their “tika-taka” and force Germany to devise a way to break them down then they will prevail. It may not be the classic we all want but for Spain it may mean the final.