2010 FIFA World Cup: Can Germany Continue Dream Run Against Spain?

I'll admit it: I wasn't fully confident in Germany's ability to advance past the group stage in this World Cup, much less making it to the semifinals.

Despite the fact that the Germans have never failed to advance to the knockout phase, I couldn't be completely sure that the youngest German side since 1934 would make it to the round of 16—especially after their captain and playmaker, Michael Ballack, suffered a horrendous ankle injury.

Add in that African power Ghana and potential dark horse Serbia were in their group and it definitely wasn't going to be a cakewalk for Deutschland.

But after Germany throttled European-rival England 4-1 and dismantled World Cup-favorite Argentina 4-0, I have no doubt that the youthful German squad—with an average age of 24.9—can beat Spain en route to a World Cup Final bid.

The question is, will they?

Germany are playing out of their minds right now, but it's a real possibility that their unexpected World Cup success could end this Wednesday against Spain. Having already experienced the pang of defeat at the hands of the Spanish in the Euro 2008 Final, the Germans are sure to do everything in their power to avoid another bitter loss.

In that game it was La Roja's Fernando Torres who scored the lone goal to topple Germany, but times have changed; it's now fellow striker David Villa that Deutschland have to worry about. Villa leads all World Cup scorers with five, and is only one goal short of Spanish legend Raul's all-time scoring mark for the country.

To gain revenge, the Germans must shut down Villa. Perhaps a task just as difficult is disrupting Spain's effortless passing game that exposes unstable defenses better than TMZ does Britney Spears. La Roja have been dominating possession upwards of 60 to 70 percent nearly every match in this World Cup, so the most interesting question coming into Wednesday's contest is this:

How will Germany's frenetic counter-attack game match up against Spain's controlled, possessive passing game?

To me, how the Germans answer this will determine whether they eliminate Spain or go home. Germany have already notched four goals in three of their five games, so there shouldn't be any debate about the Germans having enough firepower.

But this isn't an aged Australian, abysmally slow English, or questionable Argentinean defense Germany are facing. This is a talented, disciplined, and strong Spanish back line coupled with a world-class goalkeeper.

One way for the Germans to break through Spain's defense is to utilize Miroslav Klose's tall frame. Klose is listed at 6'0'', so that puts him at least a few inches above anybody on Spain's defense. Targeting the Bayern Munich striker on set pieces and crosses is a must for Germany.

Deutschland have the pieces to oust Spain, but it will take performances similar to their matches against England and Argentina to do so.

Will they do it?

I'm not sure. But win or lose, Germany have been one of the pleasant surprises and ought to celebrate their incredible run in the 2010 World Cup.