Merkel to miss semi-final

Chancellor Angela Merkel will not be in South Africa to see the German side battle against Spain for a slot in the World Cup final. Merkel's busy work schedule will keep her from cheering on the German side in Durban during their semi-final match...

Chancellor Angela Merkel will not be in South Africa to see the German side battle against Spain for a slot in the World Cup final.

Merkel's busy work schedule will keep her from cheering on the German side in Durban during their semi-final match against the European Champions tomorrow, deputy government spokesman Christoph Steegmans said.

The 55-year-old chancellor watched Saturday's 4-0 thrashing of Argentina from the stands in Cape Town.

After the match, Merkel "had a personal conversation with the German team" in which she "expressed her recognition and great delight and wished them good luck for their next match," Steegmans said.

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