SEOUL, South Korea, 25 June — Three-time champions Germany are one match away from their seventh appearance in a World Cup final, but say they underdogs in their semifinal against South Korea.
Assistant coach Michael Skibbe said after being expected to do well in their last two games against Paraguay and the United States — which they both narrowly won 1-0 —, they were in a different position at today’s game.
“This time we play a team who have knocked out three great European nations in Portugal, Italy and Spain, and we’re the outsiders. That could help.”
However, many Germans and several players including captain Oliver Kahn expect the team to go through to the final.
“I have always said that we could go all the way. I have not changed my opinion,” said Kahn, whose amazing saves against the US for the key toward Germany’s 10th semifinal berth.
Before the start of the tournament we were written off as no-hopers, everybody said we would go home after the quarterfinals. Now we are among the best four countries in the world and we want to do more,” he said.
German coach Rudi Voeller has to worry about the fitness of midfielder Dietmar Hamann, who has a knee injury. Voeller said that he would only decide on Hamann shortly before the kick off.
“Hamann is an integral part of the team. It will be a huge disappointment if he is unable to play,” Voeller said.
Even if Hamann is available to play against the co-hosts, Voeller is expected to make some changes to counter the Korean 3-4-3 style of play. A possible change would be to revert to a flat back four.
Voeller said the players should enjoy the game: “It is not only a dream to be in a World Cup semifinal, but also to play an away-game against the co-hosts. It must be special for every player. It is a highlight of any footballer’s career.”
The Germans have welcomed the appointment of Swiss referee Urs Meier for the match.
Kahn says that they have to expect a few decisions to go against them: “That happens everywhere and does not mean the referee is biased. We must not let ourselves be influenced by that.”
South Korean coach Guus Hiddink, who led his native Holland to the semifinals four years ago, said that the bigger teams should stop blaming the referees for their defeats. Italy and Spain were seemingly robbed of three valid goals in their games with South Korea, but Hiddink would hear none of it.
“You must first look what has failed in your own team. When you are a big team you must punish a little team in normal play. I think it’s rather easy to go on blaming referees or linesmen,” he said.
He said that his side had already achieved much more than anybody could have dreamed of and described his side’s success as outrageous.
“We are almost playing without limits. As we approach the next game against Germany, we have nothing to lose. We will play as we like,” Hiddink said.
Hiddink is expected to continue an attacking style of play against the three-time world champions — a style that has brought him and the team not only success, but also admiration from football fans throughout the world.
Germans hope that
Hamann can play
Germany yesterday left the holiday island of Jeju in an upbeat mood for their World Cup semifinal with co-hosts South Korea but amid doubts about the fitness of key player Dietmar Hamann.
The Liverpool midfielder is nursing a knee injury and had to be substituted during the 1-0 quarterfinal win over the United States.
He resumed light training on Sunday and was also due to train in Germany’s final practice session at Seoul stadium.
Should Hamann not be able to play he will be badly missed.
“Didi Hamann is a key player. His absence would be a tough to swallow,” said Voeller.
The good news is that World Cup co-top-scorer Miroslav Klose (five goals) is 100 percent fit again and aims to score after going without a goal in the last two games.
“I believe he will have a good match,” said Voeller.
Germany are playing in their 10th World Cup semifinal today against South Korea, who never went beyond the group stage in their previous five World Cup showings but beat Portugal, Italy and Spain this time around to become the first Asian semifinalist.
Germany won six of their previous nine semifinals and went on to claim the title in 1954, 1974 and 1990. They lost semifinals in 1934, 1958 and 1970.
No wonder Voeller was upbeat before the team left the holiday island of Jeju for Seoul yesterday.
“I believe we have a great chance to make the final,” said Voeller.
