Spain v Germany: Fabregas and Low underscore mutual respect between rivals

Cesc Fabregas does not anticipate a repeat of the mind games that dominated the build-up to Germany's encounter with Argentina as Spain prepare to take on Joachim Low's side tomorrow.

The Arsenal midfielder insists there is a "good relationship" between the two countries who met in the final of Euro 2008 when Fernando Torres's goal earned victory for Spain.

And Fabregas is unconcerned if Germany, who demolished England 4-1 and Argentina 4-0, are made favourites to win their last-four meeting.

He said: "We have watched all of Germany's games. When you are here, you don't stop watching football and we know every team. They are a very strong side, probably the strongest side in the tournament at the moment. As a team they are very quick on the counter-attack but defend very well.

"You never expect Argentina to lose 4-0 but in football today anyone can beat you."

Fabregas added: "I don't mind if Germany are favourites. If they want to be favourites, we will accept that. We just want to play the game, we want to be a strong team, we want to beat them, and we want to reach the final.

"We are proud of what we have achieved so far but we want to go all the way.

"We are very excited about the semi-final. It is the first time in our history we have reached the World Cup semi-final so we will try to do well in it."

But Fabregas is adamant the two teams will show respect for each other ahead of their meeting.

He said: "Two years ago we played the European Championship final. We beat them, they could have beaten us. I don't think it is about mind games. These are two teams who have a very good relationship.

"I don't know if Germany had it with Argentina but I remember shaking all their hands at the end of the Euro final.

"We have a great relationship so I don't think there is going to be a problem."

Germany's coach Joachim Low yesterday acknowledged that Spain merited their Euro 2008 success.

"In 2008, there is no doubt that Spain were the best team at the tournament. They were also very good in the final," he said.

"But now the situation is different. We too have a good team and we have every reason to believe that we can succeed.

"The mood is good but not euphoric. The team had a measured response to the Argentina match and is now focused on the game against Spain."

Germany's coach believes Spain have "several Messis" in their ranks, in reference to the much talked about threat of Lionel Messi ahead of their meeting with Diego Maradona's team.

The World Player of the Year was shut out of the game in Cape Town and Low continued: "Spain remain the natural World Cup favourites.

"They are the favourites for the title and in the last two to three years they've been the most consistent team, they've always played and won the important matches. They make it look easy, they don't have to use up all their energy.

"They not only have one Messi, but they have several Messis. They have a whole range of players that can win a game, so we will have to be very watchful against them.

"They are a team that make very few mistakes. Far fewer than the likes of England or Argentina and we will have to force them into making mistakes."