SEOUL - At any other time in the World Cup's 72-year history Germany would have considered a semifinal against South Korea as a free pass to the final. Not now.
In the wake of the co-hosts' extraordinary achievements in the past three weeks, tonight's clash in the Korean capital, Seoul, has
become anyone's game.
Germany's getting to the semifinals is no surprise - this is the 10th time they have done so - but for Korea, without a win of any sort in 14 attempts spanning five previous cups, it is almost beyond comprehension.
What is more, they go into it absolutely expecting to beat the three-time champions, who incredibly really believe they are the underdogs, and take on either Brazil or Turkey in the final.
"We will approach the match once more like a bunch of young dogs," said Korea's Dutch coach, Guus Hiddink, already a national hero in his adopted land.
"We have gone so far and have nothing to lose and we will play the way we like to play."
That way - with pace, accurate passing and relentless movement backed by supreme fitness - has already accounted for Poland, Portugal, Italy and Spain in a series of stunning shocks.
Just one of those victories would have been a major achievement when held up against their previous record but Hiddink has stressed from day one that he wanted more than just respectability.
While the whole country was enjoying what turned out to be the first of many amazing nights of celebration after the team's opening 2-0 win over Poland, Hiddink said: "I want them to be greedy for more success. I am."
The Poles were the first to be overwhelmed by the amazing home support that has played such an important part in Korea's dream run, though Italy and Spain claim that it was the crowd's influence on the match officials rather than the opposition players that made the difference.
If ever there were a team designed to deal with crowd pressure and concentrate on their own job, it is Germany, the consummate professionals.
Amazingly consistent, they are on the brink of their seventh final and will not be fazed by the fans or their buzzing opponents, who may be running a little short on energy after two strength-sapping extra-time matches in the past week.
For Germany to take advantage, however, and avoid becoming the fifth European victim of the Korean juggernaut, they will have to step up a level from anything they have shown to date. Coach Rudi Voeller knows what is in store.
"The South Koreans will run until they drop and we will have to be compact at the back," he said.
"It's maybe an advantage for us that they have twice had to play extra time ... but they don't look tired to me."
His assistant Michael Skibbe added: "They have an unbelievable winning mentality and they only know one direction, which is the way forward."
Germany will hope to take advantage of their aerial power, with the likes of five-goal Miroslav Klose and midfielder Michael Ballack, who headed the only goal in the quarter-final win over the United States, always a danger at free kicks and corners.
Their most important player so far, however, has been at the other end of the pitch.
Goalkeeper and captain Oliver Kahn has been in superb form, particularly against the US, and said he can't wait for the game.
"The emotions and passion surrounding this Korean team are something I have never witnessed before," he said.
Kahn is also unconcerned about the "Red Effect" on the officials.
"We may have one or two refereeing decisions against us," he said.
"That's normal. It's called home advantage. If it happens, we must not let it demoralise us."
Both teams could be forced to make one midfield change from their quarter-final starting lineups.
Germany's Dietmar Hamann is battling a knee injury, with Jens Jeremies standing by.
Kim Nam Il, substituted in the last two matches, first with a twisted ankle and then after getting caught by a high tackle against Spain, is doubtful, with Lee Eul Yong his probable replacement.
Probable teams:
Germany: Oliver Kahn; Christoph Metzelder, Sebastian Kehl, Thomas Linke; Torsten Frings, Bernd Schneider, Dietmar Hamann (or Jens Jeremies), Michael Ballack, Christian Ziege; Miroslav Klose, Oliver Neuville
South Korea: Lee Woon Jae; Choi Jin Cheul, Hong Myung Bo, Kim Tae Young; Park Ji Sung, Yoo Sang Chul, Song Chong Gug, Lee Young Pyo, Lee Eul Yong; Ahn Jung Hwan, Seol Ki Hyeon. Referee: Urs Meier (Switzerland)
- REUTERS
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SEOUL - At any other time in the World Cup's 72-year history Germany would have considered a semifinal against South Korea as a free pass to the final. Not now.
In the wake of the co-hosts' extraordinary achievements in the past three weeks, tonight's clash in the Korean capital, Seoul, has
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