Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque has admitted his side will need to improve if they are to beat Germany in their huge World Cup semi-final on Wednesday (Germany 7/4, draw 11/5, Spain 6/4).

David Villla’s fifth goal of the tournament secured a late 1-0 quarter-final win for Spain over Paraguay to book their place in the last four and set up a showdown with the Germans (Spain 15/8f to win the World Cup, Germany 2/1).

Del Bosque says his side will need to improve their level of performance if they are to win on Wednesday, as they again looked well short of their best against Paraguay.

“We didn’t play well mainly because we didn’t get enough of the ball,” he said afterwards.

“We weren’t as at ease in possession as in other games and it’s important to be comfortable.”

However, the coach is pleased his side are still in with a shout in a competition which has seen big guns France, Italy, England, Brazil and Argentina all crash out early.

“We’re in the last four in the world,” he added. “It’s a good moment for Spanish football.”

Spain rode their luck to make it into the last four as Oscar Cordoba missed a penalty for Paraguay in the second half only for Xabi Alonso to do the same for Del Bosque’s side – the Real Madrid midfielder’s spot-kick having to be retaken after the referee spotted encroachment into the penalty area the first time around.

Spain are hoping to emulate France’s achievement in 1998 and 2000 by becoming European and World champions at the same time but they will have to beat an impressive German side if they are to do it.

Key midfielder Andres Iniesta has been taken aback by Germany’s displays in South Africa and he is predicting a titanic clash in Durban.

“Quite apart from their results, the Germans are playing brilliantly, so they must be tremendously motivated,” the Barcelona star said.

“It will be a game between two rivals who enjoy having the ball and I think it will be a beautiful battle.”

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