He has tamed Fabio Capello's England team, demolished Diego Maradona's dream and snuffed out Lionel Messi's magic in the Argentina team.

Now Germany's coach Joachim Loew is ready to inflict some World Cup pain on Spain.

After routing Argentina 4 0 in the quarterfinal, Germany face Spain in Thursday's semifinal in Durban, with a place in the July 12 final against either the Netherlands or Uruguay at stake.

Like most of his squad before this World Cup, Loew was largely unknown outside of Germany, but his tactical ability and reading of the game has seen his side claim the scalps of two of the world's football giants.

As head coach, four years ago he guided the Germans to the Euro 2008 final where they lost 1 0 to Spain in Vienna, a result he is looking forward to avenge on Thursday morning.

Speaking through a translator, Low said he is confident of reaching the final.