well, out of general matter, i will ignore the fifaworldcup.com from now on. we all know how 'objective' articles they have 
soccerage.com
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World Cup Semi-Final Preview: Germany V South Korea
There was a gloomy atmosphere in the German dressing following their 1-0 victory against the USA on Friday. Had you not been aware of the outcome of the match you would have bet your life-savings that Germany had failed to make it to the semifinals of the World Cup. Made it they did, however, but in far from convincing fashion, which is why the Teutonic perfectionists were in no mood to celebrate.
Bar a resounding win against a woefully inept Saudi Arabian side and an impressive second-half in a 2-0 victory against Cameroon, Deutschland have hardly looked like world-beaters. It was the Germans who looked the underdogs against the much-improved Americans and, for the umpteenth this tournament, their saving grace was their goalkeeping great Oliver Kahn.
Actually, the Germans have a lot to owe to their superior aerial ability as well, which may very well prove an invaluable attribute against the modestly-sized Korean backline. Even the most ardent German supporters would find it hard to argue that the two aforementioned factors are the chief reasons why their team has made it thus far. A side does not have to be firing on all cylinders to execute the simple strategy of swinging high-balls into the box and until the almost-inevitable time that that reaps dividends they can always rely on Kahn to bail them out.
Cynicism aside, the Germans are certainly capable of good football and Kahn's comments before the big game suggest that his team will be in the mood come Tuesday. "Every one of us wanted to play South Korea in the semi-finals," said the shot-stopping skipper. "The atmosphere the Korean fans generate is really something else, and we are looking forward to it because we know that it's going to be a really special occasion."
The frequent mistakes made by the referee's and their assistants have certainly tarnished this World Cup and in particular South Korea's incredibly run in it, however it would be wrong to disregard Korea's achievement because of blunders by the officials, no matter how decisive they have been.
It may be true that on another day and with different officials that Korea would have lost to Italy and Spain, but Korea's resolve to come back from the jaws of defeat against the Italians, and their nerves of steal in the penalty shoot-out against Spain shouldn't ever be forgotten.
Guus Hiddink's Korea had failed to win a match in fifteen attempts before the 2002 World Cup began, a tournament that many predicted would see the first host nation to be knocked out at the first round stage. Korea avoided that unwanted record with something to spare as they finished top of their group with seven points, including a victory that led to the demise of Portugal.
In their second round clash with Italy it can be argued Giovanni Trapattoni's side were denied a golden goal winner as the result of a dubious offside decision, although it could be said Lee Woon-Jae may have saved the effort had the referee not blown his whistle, Francesco Totti's dismissal was also exceptionally harsh. However, South Korea showed a greater desire than their Italian counterparts and a superior level of fitness to win in the dying minutes of extra-time.
Next up was Spain and this is when it really became farcical. Jose Camacho's side were denied a clear goal during the ninety minutes, and only Egyptian referee Gamal Ghandour knows why he disallowed it, but Fernando Morientes' golden goal that was disallowed was far, far worse. The most ardent of South Korea fans will argue that their goalkeeper stopped playing upon hearing the whistle, but I don't believe he would have saved the effort anyway. There is also the controversy over Lee Woon-Jae's penalty save from Joaquin that saw him close the angle by a couple of yards at least.
However, Korea's players can only do their best and if they are aided by refereeing errors it is hardly their fault, no matter how hard that is for Italy and Spain to accept.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Coach Rudi Voeller only has one selection concern ahead of the semifinal, though that is a big one. Integral ball-winner Dietmar Hamann remains a doubtful starter against South Korea because of a knee injury, even though he was able to train lightly on Sunday. The Liverpool dynamo twisted a ligament on his right knee during the hard-earned 1-0 win over the United States and, should he fail a late fitness test, is likely to be replaced by Jens Jeremies. Voeller is expected to opt for a 4-4-2 formation against the co-hosts, with Ramelow returning to the side at the expense of the out-of-form Ziege and the talented young Metzelder shifting to the left.
Midfielder Kim Nam-Il was a doubt before the Spain game with an ankle injury and was soon withdrawn after aggravating it, so surely he will not start against Germany? Chun Soo Lee is favourite to start in his place. Ahn Jung-Hwan is another player with a suspect ankle and he didn't train on Sunday, although probably just as a precaution.
PROBABLE LINEUPS
Germany (4-4-2): Kahn - Frings, Linke, Ramelow, Metzelder - Schneider, Hamann (Jeremies), Ballack, Bode - Neuville, Klose.
South Korea (4-3-1-2): Lee Woon-Jae - Choi Jin Chul, Kim Tae Young, Bo Hong Myung, Song Chong Gug - Chun Soo Lee, Yoo Sang Chul, Lee Young Pyo - Ahn Jung Hwan - Park Ji Sung, Seol Ki Hyeon.
ROAD TO THE SEMIFINALS
Germany made it to the knockout stages of the competition courtesy of a 8-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia, a hard-fought 2-0 win against Cameroon and a 1-1 tie against the Republic of Ireland. In the knockout stages, Deutschland just barely squeaked through the second round on the strength of a 1-0 defeat of Paraguay, followed by an even less convincing victory over the US, by the same score.
Korea opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Poland, although the emphasis was on how poor the Poles were in that match. A 1-1 draw against USA followed leaving Korea's destiny in their own hands going into the final group match against Portugal. The European's had two players sent off and Korea snatched a 1-0 win to finish top of their group and set up a tie with the Italians, which they won in Golden Goal extra-time. Spain were defeated 5-3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes setting up this semi-final.
WHO'S HOT
Oliver Kahn: What more can you say about this man? What little doubt there was left about whether the Bayern Munich no. 1 is really the best on the planet in his position has effectively been alleviated, as Kahn has been a veritable human highlight reel all tournament long. The amount of times he comes out on top off one-on-one situations is nothing short of mind-blowing, as is his ability to get a hand to screamers aimed at any corner.
Ahn Jung Hwan: If he plays Ahn will be the man Germany will have to watch. He no longer has a club after being sacked by Perugia, however he will have no shortage of interest after becoming one of the most talked about players of this World Cup, following his golden goal winner against Italy.
WHO'S NOT
Christian Ziege: The Tottenham star had a solid first game against Saudi Arabia (who didn't?) but his form has gotten progressively worse. Though his commitment to the cause has never been in doubt, his recently dodgy decision making and sloppy passing may very well have cost him a spot in the starting XI.
South Korea are vulnerable at the back, especially in the air, where Miroslav Klose could add to his tally of five headed goals already at this World Cup. Christian Vieri for Italy and Fernando Morientes for Spain wreaked havoc in the Korea's penalty area and the likes of Kim Tae Young and Bo Hong Myung will have to on the top of their game.
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS
These two teams have only ever met once in international competition, that being in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas during World Cup '94. Germany edged South Korea 3-2 on that occasion, the winner being scored by a certain Juergen Klinsmann.
PREDICTION
Germany are arguably poorer than a number of the teams that South Korea have beaten on route to his semi-final, however the mentality and style of play of the Germans are likely to see Korea struggle more so than they did against Italy and Spain. South Korea are susceptible to conceding headed goals and there isn't many better players than Miroslav Klose at heading the ball. Germany have also been defensively sound and in Oliver Kahn they have a fantastic goalkeeper who will not be easy to beat. Germany's ability to frustrate both the opposition and those watching the game could prove decisive and so once again Soccerage is predicting a defeat for South Korea. 1-0 to Germany.
soccerage.com
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World Cup Semi-Final Preview: Germany V South Korea
There was a gloomy atmosphere in the German dressing following their 1-0 victory against the USA on Friday. Had you not been aware of the outcome of the match you would have bet your life-savings that Germany had failed to make it to the semifinals of the World Cup. Made it they did, however, but in far from convincing fashion, which is why the Teutonic perfectionists were in no mood to celebrate.
Bar a resounding win against a woefully inept Saudi Arabian side and an impressive second-half in a 2-0 victory against Cameroon, Deutschland have hardly looked like world-beaters. It was the Germans who looked the underdogs against the much-improved Americans and, for the umpteenth this tournament, their saving grace was their goalkeeping great Oliver Kahn.
Actually, the Germans have a lot to owe to their superior aerial ability as well, which may very well prove an invaluable attribute against the modestly-sized Korean backline. Even the most ardent German supporters would find it hard to argue that the two aforementioned factors are the chief reasons why their team has made it thus far. A side does not have to be firing on all cylinders to execute the simple strategy of swinging high-balls into the box and until the almost-inevitable time that that reaps dividends they can always rely on Kahn to bail them out.
Cynicism aside, the Germans are certainly capable of good football and Kahn's comments before the big game suggest that his team will be in the mood come Tuesday. "Every one of us wanted to play South Korea in the semi-finals," said the shot-stopping skipper. "The atmosphere the Korean fans generate is really something else, and we are looking forward to it because we know that it's going to be a really special occasion."
The frequent mistakes made by the referee's and their assistants have certainly tarnished this World Cup and in particular South Korea's incredibly run in it, however it would be wrong to disregard Korea's achievement because of blunders by the officials, no matter how decisive they have been.
It may be true that on another day and with different officials that Korea would have lost to Italy and Spain, but Korea's resolve to come back from the jaws of defeat against the Italians, and their nerves of steal in the penalty shoot-out against Spain shouldn't ever be forgotten.
Guus Hiddink's Korea had failed to win a match in fifteen attempts before the 2002 World Cup began, a tournament that many predicted would see the first host nation to be knocked out at the first round stage. Korea avoided that unwanted record with something to spare as they finished top of their group with seven points, including a victory that led to the demise of Portugal.
In their second round clash with Italy it can be argued Giovanni Trapattoni's side were denied a golden goal winner as the result of a dubious offside decision, although it could be said Lee Woon-Jae may have saved the effort had the referee not blown his whistle, Francesco Totti's dismissal was also exceptionally harsh. However, South Korea showed a greater desire than their Italian counterparts and a superior level of fitness to win in the dying minutes of extra-time.
Next up was Spain and this is when it really became farcical. Jose Camacho's side were denied a clear goal during the ninety minutes, and only Egyptian referee Gamal Ghandour knows why he disallowed it, but Fernando Morientes' golden goal that was disallowed was far, far worse. The most ardent of South Korea fans will argue that their goalkeeper stopped playing upon hearing the whistle, but I don't believe he would have saved the effort anyway. There is also the controversy over Lee Woon-Jae's penalty save from Joaquin that saw him close the angle by a couple of yards at least.
However, Korea's players can only do their best and if they are aided by refereeing errors it is hardly their fault, no matter how hard that is for Italy and Spain to accept.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Coach Rudi Voeller only has one selection concern ahead of the semifinal, though that is a big one. Integral ball-winner Dietmar Hamann remains a doubtful starter against South Korea because of a knee injury, even though he was able to train lightly on Sunday. The Liverpool dynamo twisted a ligament on his right knee during the hard-earned 1-0 win over the United States and, should he fail a late fitness test, is likely to be replaced by Jens Jeremies. Voeller is expected to opt for a 4-4-2 formation against the co-hosts, with Ramelow returning to the side at the expense of the out-of-form Ziege and the talented young Metzelder shifting to the left.
Midfielder Kim Nam-Il was a doubt before the Spain game with an ankle injury and was soon withdrawn after aggravating it, so surely he will not start against Germany? Chun Soo Lee is favourite to start in his place. Ahn Jung-Hwan is another player with a suspect ankle and he didn't train on Sunday, although probably just as a precaution.
PROBABLE LINEUPS
Germany (4-4-2): Kahn - Frings, Linke, Ramelow, Metzelder - Schneider, Hamann (Jeremies), Ballack, Bode - Neuville, Klose.
South Korea (4-3-1-2): Lee Woon-Jae - Choi Jin Chul, Kim Tae Young, Bo Hong Myung, Song Chong Gug - Chun Soo Lee, Yoo Sang Chul, Lee Young Pyo - Ahn Jung Hwan - Park Ji Sung, Seol Ki Hyeon.
ROAD TO THE SEMIFINALS
Germany made it to the knockout stages of the competition courtesy of a 8-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia, a hard-fought 2-0 win against Cameroon and a 1-1 tie against the Republic of Ireland. In the knockout stages, Deutschland just barely squeaked through the second round on the strength of a 1-0 defeat of Paraguay, followed by an even less convincing victory over the US, by the same score.
Korea opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Poland, although the emphasis was on how poor the Poles were in that match. A 1-1 draw against USA followed leaving Korea's destiny in their own hands going into the final group match against Portugal. The European's had two players sent off and Korea snatched a 1-0 win to finish top of their group and set up a tie with the Italians, which they won in Golden Goal extra-time. Spain were defeated 5-3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes setting up this semi-final.
WHO'S HOT
Oliver Kahn: What more can you say about this man? What little doubt there was left about whether the Bayern Munich no. 1 is really the best on the planet in his position has effectively been alleviated, as Kahn has been a veritable human highlight reel all tournament long. The amount of times he comes out on top off one-on-one situations is nothing short of mind-blowing, as is his ability to get a hand to screamers aimed at any corner.
Ahn Jung Hwan: If he plays Ahn will be the man Germany will have to watch. He no longer has a club after being sacked by Perugia, however he will have no shortage of interest after becoming one of the most talked about players of this World Cup, following his golden goal winner against Italy.
WHO'S NOT
Christian Ziege: The Tottenham star had a solid first game against Saudi Arabia (who didn't?) but his form has gotten progressively worse. Though his commitment to the cause has never been in doubt, his recently dodgy decision making and sloppy passing may very well have cost him a spot in the starting XI.
South Korea are vulnerable at the back, especially in the air, where Miroslav Klose could add to his tally of five headed goals already at this World Cup. Christian Vieri for Italy and Fernando Morientes for Spain wreaked havoc in the Korea's penalty area and the likes of Kim Tae Young and Bo Hong Myung will have to on the top of their game.
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS
These two teams have only ever met once in international competition, that being in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas during World Cup '94. Germany edged South Korea 3-2 on that occasion, the winner being scored by a certain Juergen Klinsmann.
PREDICTION
Germany are arguably poorer than a number of the teams that South Korea have beaten on route to his semi-final, however the mentality and style of play of the Germans are likely to see Korea struggle more so than they did against Italy and Spain. South Korea are susceptible to conceding headed goals and there isn't many better players than Miroslav Klose at heading the ball. Germany have also been defensively sound and in Oliver Kahn they have a fantastic goalkeeper who will not be easy to beat. Germany's ability to frustrate both the opposition and those watching the game could prove decisive and so once again Soccerage is predicting a defeat for South Korea. 1-0 to Germany.
