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Monday, 24 June, 2002, 02:15 GMT 03:15 UK
Germany play down Korean threat
Germany midfielder Michael Ballack
Ballack is relishing the Korean challenge
Semi-final | Seoul
Tue Jun 25 2002 | 12:30 BST
Live on BBC Radio Five Live

Germany's players have insisted they do not fear World Cup giantkillers South Korea ahead of their semi-final tie on Tuesday.

South Korea have already knocked out European heavyweights Italy and Spain en route to their date with the Germans.

But Germany are ready to put an end to the co-hosts' adventure and know they will have to be at their best to stop South Korea reaching the final.

Striker Marco Bode said: "It will be a nice experience to play against thehost nation, but we are not frightened of playing them."

Open Quote
I wasn't really bothered who we played inthe semi-final, either Spain or Korea
Close Quote
Germany midfielder Michael Ballack

"Korea are the biggest surprise in this World Cup. They playeffective and beautiful football and they keep getting better with everygame.

"They will be tough opponents but it will be a nice experience to playagainst the host country, it should be very exciting."

Michael Ballack's headed winner against the USA handed the Germans their 10th semi-final appearance at the World Cup.

And Rudi Voeller's side can expect to face 60,000delirious Korean fans in Seoul.

Bayern Munich-bound Ballack added: "I wasn't really bothered who we played inthe semi-final, either Spain or Korea, as both teams had shown themselves to begreat survivors.

"Playing against the hosts, though, will be good, it will be a rareopportunity to play in such a big, big game."

Meanwhile, Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has urged the national team not to under-estimate the co-hosts.

Beckenbauer said his country were lucky tohave even got to the semi-final stage after being outplayed by the United States in the quarter-finals.

He said: "America were the better side, we'll have to raise our gameconsiderably.

"And the US should have had a clear penalty when they had a shot handled onthe line. We wouldn't have survived against a more dangerous opponent."


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BBC Sport's Harry Peart
"Korea must break down Germany's defence"
South Korea coach Gus Hiddink
"We are going to play how we want to"
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