World Cup: Germany vs. Spain: One hour gone, still no score, but the Spanish are threatening

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The Spaniards have come out a little more fired up, a little more determined, for the second 45 minutes.

They created two clear scoring opportunities in the first five minutes of the half, both squandered by Xabi Alonso.

First, the Real Madrid player skewed a shot wide left after being set up by a dazzling run by Pedro, who beat his defenders several times before passing to Alonso.

Moments later, Alonso fired the ball wide right after again being set up well by some good Spanish buildup play. The two misses could come back to haunt Spain.

A little later, Xavi tried to set up David Villa for his sixth World Cup goal, but Villa did not get hold of the ball well and his shot went wide of the right post.

Suddenly, Spain has Germany rattled. A shot by Pedro is saved. The pressure is turned up another notch and a ball is crossed right across the face of the German net, but no one is on hand to apply the finishing touch. Another shot goes wide.

The hour mark arrives and it is still 0-0, but there looks to be a goal in the offing.

-- Grahame L. Jones in Johannesburg, South Africa