The German news agency DAPD reported that Merkel said "Spain is a good team" and that Joachim Loew's side faces a "very difficult" task on Wednesday.

The German leader also predicted a 2-1 win in last Saturday's quarterfinal against Argentina. Germany exceeded her expectations by winning 4-0.

The US Embassy in Berlin says Ambassador Philip Murphy bet his counterpart in Madrid a case of German Riesling wine that Germany will win.

The ambassador to Spain, Alan Solomont, bet a case of Spanish red wine that Vicente del Bosque's team will win.