But that is the whole new ball game as they go into tomorrow's second semi-final against Spain for a place in Sunday's World Cup final at Soccer City.

Ever since they humiliated England and then Argentina, scoring eight goals in the process, the football world has been queueing up to shower the Germans in superlatives.

Uruguay coach Carlos Tabarez perhaps summed it up when he said: "They have great expression. It's the most beautiful football I've seen in this World Cup."

Even Vicente del Bosque, manager of tomorrow's opponents Spain, was minded to tell the truth: "They recently set out to change a style of football which appeared to be worn out and tired. They have managed to refresh the team since the Euros and the proof of that is in their showings here."

So can Germany's young and dynamic team go all the way and topple Spain, many people's pre-tournament favourites?

It is an intriguing match-up in so many ways.

Spain are football's great underachievers, never having won the World Cup. Germany are football's over-achievers, having won the trophy three times and finished runner-up on four occasions, including 2002 in Japan when they were said to have the worst team in their history.

Spain have David Villa, Europe's premier marksman. Germany have Miroslav Klose, who is on 14 World Cup goals, just two short of Ronaldo's all-time record.

Spain have the advantage of having beaten Germany 1-0 in the final of Euro 2008.

But at the Green Point stadium it will not come down to history and statistics. It will be a simple equation.

Can Spain, the side who treasure possession as if it were a precious jewel, pass their way around a German team who play at a tempo which England and Argentina failed to live with.

There is no doubt in Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso and Villa Spain have quality and penetration.

But not like Germany. Not like a German team who possess no superstars but who attack and defend in a collective fashion which is akin to a force of nature.

Tabarez was right to compare it with a thing of beauty, although Igor Casillas in the Spanish goal might not feel that way when Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil and Klose are bearing down on him in one of those lightning counter attacks.

The Germans will miss Thomas Muller, the 20-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder who has been a revelation in South Africa but is suspended after his yellow card for a hand ball against Argentina.

He gave them balance and pace on the right. But they still have the edge. And this World Cup needs them to make it to the final.

For all its drama, the exits of France and Italy at the group phase, the agony of Ghana and the wretched hand ball of Luis Suarez and Spain's own penalty shenanigans against Paraguay, South Africa needs a big finale.

It needs an outstanding team to announce itself. One which can push back the boundaries of the sport. Reveal the future. Show the way for those who dream of glory in four years time.

Only one team has had the look of pioneers this past month. That is the youngest German team for 76 years. A team which plays with ambition and fluidity and without fear. One which has a pleasing blend of experience and energy.

It is difficult to see where a Spain side which has stumbled rather than marched into the semi-finals will find a weakness to exploit in Joachim Low's men.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is reliable, the defence solid, the midfield interchangeable with an attacking force which has the feel of a tsunami when in full flow.

Spain are a fine side and Villa a rare gem but all the signs point to Germany by two goals.