Pique: Germany aren’t favourites

Gerard Pique says Spain’s semi-final opponents Germany are a “very difficult team” but has cautioned against installing Joachim Low’s men as favourites for Wednesday’s game in Durban.

Germany have been the most impressive team in the knockout stages having defeated England 4-1 and then Argentina 4-0 in the quarter-finals; Low and his young group of players have been painted as the most exciting side in the competition.

Spain were granted that title at Euro 2008, when defeating Germany in the final, but their progression in South Africa has been less stellar having beaten Portugal and Paraguay thanks to solitary goals from striker David Villa.

While Pique has taken note of Germany’s stylish attacking play, he says Spain remain confident in their own ability and will not be overawed by the task awaiting them.

“Germany are a very difficult team, really strong, with a lot of quality, a lot of good players, and it will be difficult to stop them,” Pique said. “I don’t know why they are so impressive. Maybe it is because they have a lot of new young players.

“The likes of Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller and Sami Khedira are new in the team and they are playing great. Some were playing for their Under-21s last summer and they have made the step up.

“I think when you are at the semi-final stage, there are no favourites. It is true because they beat England 4-1 and Argentina 4-0 that they will be in a really good mood. But we will see what happens when we meet them.

“We never have any doubts about ourselves. We always play the same way, the results are good and we have to be confident with our play.”

Spain will have midfielder Cesc Fabregas fit for the semi-final as the Arsenal midfielder, who is yet to start a game for Vicente del Bosque’s side at the tournament, has suffered no ill-effects from landing heavily on his shoulder against Paraguay.

Defender Carles Puyol will start alongside Pique in defence despite suffering from blurred vision after being struck in the face by the ball during the quarter-final victory.