Spain reach semis as Germany deny Neuer camp rift

Spain edge past Belgium, face France in the semi

Spain are through to the World Cup semi-finals after a 2–1 win over Belgium in the quarter-final on Saturday (2) (3). A Belgian goalkeeping error decided it. Mikel Merino scored the winner, coming off the bench to put Spain into a last-four meeting with France (3). That semi-final will be the highest-rated match in international football history by combined Elo ratings.

DFB shoots down Neuer tension reports

The DFB has officially denied a report claiming tensions within the Germany camp involving Manuel Neuer after the World Cup exit (1). The federation moved quickly to knock it down. No further details from the DFB, but the statement is unambiguous.

Fan-reaktioner

Germany fans on Reddit are watching the semi-final lineup with a mix of admiration and frustration. The Spain–France clash is now the highest-rated match in history by combined Elo (4353), and one user noted it knocks West Germany's 1954 final against Hungary out of a top spot that stood for 72 years. Meanwhile, France reaching a third straight semi-final, a feat only five teams have ever managed, has drawn attention to Germany's golden eras, with West Germany still the only nation to do it twice. The mood: history is being made, and Germany are watching from home.