Merkel to miss Germany-Spain match: Spokesman

“The chancellor resumed work today and the week is so jammed with meetings that her presence at the semi-final will not be possible,” he told a regular press briefing.

The 55-year-old chancellor watched Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Argentina from the stands in Cape Town as the vibrant young Mannschaft joined the final four teams.

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.

He said it was not immediately clear whether Merkel would attend the final in Johannesburg on Sunday if Germany advances.