South Korea don't scare Michael Ballack (Allsport).

By From Paul Walker, PA Sport, Seoul

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Germany's stars claim they are unmoved about being the next big European name in the firing line of giantkillers South Korea.

The Germans, who beat the United States in the quarter-finals on Friday, were probably expecting to see Spain facing them in Seoul on Tuesday.

But after Korea's penalty shoot-out heroics in Gwangju, Germany know they will have to be at their very best to stop the co-hosts continuing their adventure all the way to the final in Yokohama in seven days.

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

Despite seeing super-fit Korea overpower Poland, Italy, Portugal and now Spain to become the first Asian side to reach the semi-finals, Germany are keeping their cool as they prepare for their 10th appearance in the last four.

Bode continued: "Korea are the biggest surprise in this World Cup. They play an effective and beautiful football and they keep getting better with every game.

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

It was Michael Ballack's headed winner against the USA that gave the Germans the dubious honour of confronting a pumped up, Korea in front of 60,000 delirious fans.

Bayern Munich's new signing said: "I wasn't really bothered who we played in the semi-final, either Spain or Korea, as both teams had shown themselves to be great survivors.

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

It will certainly be that. Korea came to a total standstill yesterday as around four million people gathered in all major cities to watch the Spain match on giant screens.

The eruption of joy was astonishing and Korea's previously unknown players have astounded the football world with their achievements.

Now Ballack and co will soon find out whether facing Korea on Tuesday will be a "nice" experience.

Certainly Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer thinks his country are lucky to have even got to this stage.

After the fortunate win over the USA, the former World Cup-winning captain and coach said: "America were the better side, we'll have to raise our game considerably.

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