Wednesday’s WCup lookahead capsule

Wednesday’s WCup lookahead capsule

A capsule for Wednesday’s semifinal match at the World Cup (FIFA rankings in parentheses):

Spain made its first World Cup semifinal in 40 years with another close victory, a 1-0 win over Paraguay courtesy of a late David Villa goal after both teams had penalty kicks blocked by the goalkeeper. Germany advanced to its third straight World Cup semifinal with a 4-0 thrashing of Argentina, which had emerged as a favorite after winning its first four games.

Spain: David Villa is the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals, none bigger than his one against Paraguay that caromed off one post and then the other before going into the net. Spain got a scare during Monday night’s practice when Cesc Fabregas took a ball in the exact spot where his right leg was broken in March, but tests showed he’s fine and is available Wednesday night.

Germany: The three-time champions are peaking at the perfect time, routing longtime foes England and Argentina by a combined score of 8-1. Miroslav Klose scored twice against the Argentines to give him four goals for the tournament and 14 overall — tying him with Gerd Mueller for second place on the all-time list. Thomas Mueller, who has also scored four goals, is suspended for this match.

Notable Fact: The semifinal is a rematch of the 2008 European Championship final, which Spain won 1-0 to clinch its first major title in 44 years. While Spain’s team has remained largely the same, Germany has undergone a major lineup overhaul since then.