SEOUL, June 24: At any other time in the tournament’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 last three weeks, Tuesday’s clash in the Korean capital has become anyone’s game.

Germany in the semifinals is no surprise — this is the 10th time they have been one game away from the big one — but for Korea, without a win of any sort in 14 attempts spanning five previous World Cups, it is almost beyond comprehension.

What is more, they go into it absolutely expecting to beat the three-times 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.

“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 their opening 2-0 win over Poland, Hiddink said: “I want them to be greedy for more success. I am.”

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.

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 quarterfinal 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.

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 quarterfinals 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 badly caught by a high tackle against Spain, is doubtful, with Lee Eul-yong his probable replacement.

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