Being in the semi-final of a FIFA World Cup Finals is nothing new for a German national team while it is new territory for Spain, it will be a repeat of the 2008 European Championship Final when the two giants go up against each other in Durban on Thursday for a place in the World Cup Final.

Germany will be aiming to reach their second World Cup Final in three competitions, as they were last in the final back in 2002 when they were beaten by Brazil. While Spain are targeting history as they hope to reach the final of the first time ever.

Spain the current European Champions have gone a long way towards wiping off their ‘under achievers’ tag by reaching the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and will be hoping to repeat the victory they achieved over Germany in the final of the 2008 European Champions.

From their opening game the German’s have taken apart their opponents with ruthless efficieny first it was Australia who felt their attacking wrath and their after England and tournament favorites Argentina were also on the end of punishing defeats at the hands of Germany.

Criticized for opting to bring a young team to the World Cup Coach Joachim Loew has now been hailed as a hero for including young players such as Thomas Mueller, Jerome Boateng and Mesut Ozil in his squad.

The German’s do have the suspension of striker Thomas Mueller to deal with but coach Joachim Loew believes they need not worry as Miroslav Klose who has scored four goals in the competition already, can fill the void comfortably.

In addition Germany have been boosted by the return to fitness of midfielder Sami Khedira and striker Cacau who were originally thought to be injured for the game, Loew has said the key to victory will be to keep the industrious Spain midfield comprising of Andres Iniesta and Xavi in check.

Doing that will be a tough ask for Germany unlike Argentina and England, Spain are tighter and the back and after their opening game loss to Switzerland have improved the way they marshal their defense.

While striker Fernando Torres has been off form his attacking partner David Villa has been anything but, of the six goals Spain have scored in the World Cup five have come off the boot of Villa who has proved he score even when being tightly marked.

Unlike their pre-match banter before their games against England and Argentina the German’s have taken a quieter approach and have even stated that they not out for revenge against the team who defeated them in the European Championship finals two years ago.

Spain on the back of winning the European Championships two years ago have managed to develop a strong self belief and have the motivation it would seem to add the FIFA World Cup to their European Title.