Spain, Germany face off on World Cup schedule Wednesday
The semifinals of the World Cup schedule conclude Wednesday, with European soccer powers Spain and Germany facing off to decide who will battle the Netherlands for the World Cup championship.
Wednesday (July 7):
- Germany vs Spain, 2:30 pm ET on ESPN
Saturday (July 10): Third-place play-off
- Uruguay vs. TBD, 2:30 pm ET on ABC
Sunday (July 11): WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
- The Netherlands vs. TBD, 2:30 pm ET on ABC
Out of the six European, seven Americas, one African, and two Asian teams that advanced past the opening round, the World Cup championship will come down to a less-than-global European match, with either Spain or Germany playing the Netherlands.
Spain, the world's No. 2-ranked team according to FIFA, would have been favored to win today's match if not for Germany's incredible run through the 2010 South Africa World Cup. On Saturday, Deutschland manhandled Diego Maradona's favored Argentines. Read the Monitor's argument for why Germany will win today.
Germany, the world's No. 6-ranked team, is now considered the favorite to win today's match. This puts Spain in the position of underdog, which may be to their liking. Star striker David Villa will be looking to score off Spain's famous Tiki-Taka style of play. Read the Monitor's argument for why Spain will win.
Check back with the Monitor for the latest World Cup news. On Tuesday, No. 4-ranked Netherlands dispatched with yet another South American power. The Dutch knocked down Uruguay on Tuesday, after upsetting Brazil on Friday.
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